Susan (Sue) Marie Gardner

Susan Marie “Sue” Gardner, age 64 of Frankton, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 28, 2022 at her home with her family after a valiant battle with cancer.  She was born September 18, 1957 in Danville, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Dorothy (Reid) Holman.  Sue graduated in 1975 from Clifton Central High School in Illinois as Salutatorian of her class before attending Milligan College and receiving a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics.  This is where she would meet her soulmate, Roger Gardner.  She and Roger were united in marriage on August 12, 1978 and shared over 43 years of marriage together.  Sue worked as a teacher for a short time before starting her family and becoming a homemaker.  In 1992, Roger and Sue moved their family to Elwood when Roger accepted the Senior Pastor position at East Main Street Christian Church.  In recent years, Sue was the Branch Office Administrator for Edward Jones Investments in Elwood working with broker, David Berkemeier.  She also served as Associate Pastor of East Main Street Christian Church from 2012 to 2016 in addition to being Choir Director and Children’s Pastor.

Sue’s faith and infectious smile were truly a blessing to everyone around her.  She was very active in the Elwood community.  Sue was a leader in the Heartland Great Banquet program at the church in addition to being a former member of Kiwanis Club and A.B.W.A. in Elwood.  In her free time, she enjoyed painting pictures, music, traveling, and absolutely loved mowing her large yard on the riding mower.  Family and grandchildren were one of the most important aspects of Sue’s life.  In recent years, her courage and strength in dealing with her health challenges were an inspiration to her church family and all who knew her.  She leaves a legacy of family and faith that will never be forgotten.

Sue’s family legacy includes her mother, Dorothy Holman of Chesapeake, VA; husband, Rev. Roger Gardner of Frankton; 2 daughters, Christina M. (husband Jeremy) Thomason of Elwood and Rebecca Lynn Gardner of Elwood; 2 beloved grandchildren, Gabriel Thomason and Breanna Thomason both of Elwood; 3 siblings, Charles (wife Tracy) Holman of Deland, FL, Connie (husband Steve) Schell of Chesapeake, VA, and Steve (wife Katherine) Holman of Safety Harbor, FL; “grand-pup”, Cinnamon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Sue’s life and faith will be held on Friday, March 4, 2022 at 11:00 am at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood with Rev. Tim Becker officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 8 pm on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood; and from 10 am to 11 am prior to the service on Friday at East Main Street Christian Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to East Main Street Christian Church.  Sue’s Life Celebration will be live-streamed on the East Main Street Christian Church YouTube page.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.