Gloria Gardner

Gloria Jane Gardner, the daughter of Clifford and Marjorie (Draper) Minniear, was born December 8, 1942, in Marion, Indiana and departed this life September 23, 2026, at Ambassador Healthcare Center in Centerville, IN. Gloria “Janie” loved her full life of 83 years, 9 months, and 15 days.

Gloria graduated from Fairmount (Indiana) High School in 1960 and attended many class reunions throughout the years. She also took classes at Indiana University East in Richmond, IN.

Gloria married Boniface ‘Barney’ Madelans on January 25, 1961. They shared 10 years of their life together with four children, Teresa Anne, Alesia Jane, Rex Alexander, and Julie Regina.

Gloria married Clifton ‘Ray’ Gardner on June 18, 1994. Together Gloria and Ray spent 14 years hauling freight in the ‘BIG TRUCK’. Gloria enjoyed visiting every state and nearly every province in Canada as a result of this second career. Gloria had previously retired from Kroger after 34 years of service.

Gloria enjoyed and embraced her family sharing many adventures that included camping, multiple road trips throughout the United States, and Ocean cruises. Gloria was a member of the Chester Community Homemakers Club and LifeSpring Church, Richmond, IN.

Gloria is survived by her two brothers Richard (Shirley) Minniear of Marion, IN and Wayne (Marti) Minniear of Fountain City; four children, Teresa (Alan) Martin of Powder Springs, GA, Alesia Brumbaugh (Steve Buchholtz) of Overland Park, KS, Rex Madelans of Xenia, OH, and Julie (Jon) Whalen of Goochland, VA; six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband and father of her children, Barney Madelans, second husband, Ray in 2016, brother, Larry Minniear, and step-son, James Gardner.

We will celebrate Gloria’s life at Smith-McQuiston & Webster Funeral Home 321 US 27 South, Fountain City, IN on Wednesday, September 30th with her burial at the Willow Grove Cemetery, Fountain City, IN.

Family and friends may gather for visitation from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30th, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are encouraged for LifeSpring Church, 5600 North US 27, Richmond, IN 47374 or Wayne County 4-H, 861 Salisbury Road North, Richmond, IN 47374