Dorothy Gardner
May 25, 1930 — March 9, 2014
VAN WERT, Ohio a�" Dorothy J. Gardner, 83, of Van Wert, died at 3:25 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2014, at Van Wert Manor, Van Wert.
She was born in Mercer County, Ohio, to the late Wilma (Searight) Swander and J. Raymond Swander.
Her husband, Gordon E. "Gordy" Gardner preceded her in death. They were married on Feb. 2, 1952.
Survivors include children: Michael Gardner, Theresa Stuckey, and Judy (Tod) Stuckey, all of Van Wert; brother: Carl (Nila) Swander of Rockford, Ohio; sisters: Nancy Bruce of Celina, Ohio, and Betty (Vernon) Beck of Van Wert, and grandchildren: John Gardner, Tiffany Stuckey, Ryan Stuckey, and Sean Stuckey.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara J. Gardner, who died in infancy, and a brother, Paul Swander.
She was a homemaker and a member of First Friends Church, Van Wert. A 1948 graduate of Rockford High School, she enjoyed her grandchildren, crossword puzzles and her dog Squirt. She also loved decorating her front porch with flowers.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2014, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. The Rev. Paul Hamrick will officiate. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery Van Wert.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2014, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is American Cancer Society.