Connie Lou Gardner, 85, of Toledo, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024 at Brooklyn Community Estate under the care of Essence of Life Hospice. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Living Faith United Methodist Church in Tama with Pastor Clint Anderson officiating. Following a luncheon at the church, interment will be at 3:00 PM at Sorden Cemetery in rural Webster, Iowa. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 9:30 until the time of service at the church.

Connie was born on March 21, 1938, in Webster, Iowa, the daughter of Rolland and Dorothy (Bowman) Miller.

She was in the last class to graduate Webster High School, where she was class president, played basketball and was a cheerleader. Connie was also active in 4H, where she won numerous awards showing cattle.

On September 8, 1957, she was united in marriage to Burrell Gardner in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Connie was a member of Living Faith United Methodist Church in Tama. She traveled extensively with Burrell throughout the years due to his transfers in the Air Force. They lived in Georgia, Missouri, Montana, Hawaii, Texas, Illinois and New Mexico. In 1975, they made their forever home in Toledo. Connie enjoyed flower gardening in her yard, cooking and shopping. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her daughter, Jill Gardner of Ottumwa; son, Jeff (Kim) Gardner of Tama; two grandchildren, Cody Gardner of Austin, TX and Lacey Gardner of Pella; siblings, Suzanne (Robert) Moffit of North English, Coleen (Larry) McArtor of Williamsburg, Phillip (Connie) Miller of Fairfield, Max (Tracey) Miller of Wellman and Dixie (Terry) Knake of Amana; many nieces and nephews; and special friends/neighbors, Bill and Rhonda Boyd of Toledo.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Burrell in 2014; and brother, Dick (Betty) Miller.

Memorials may be directed to Living Faith United Methodist Church in Tama or Essence of Life Hospice, 606 39th Avenue, Amana, IA 52203.