With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Nancy J. Gardner, who left this world peacefully at the age of 77 on May 14, 2025.
Born May 9, 1948, in Chicago, to Leslie and June, Nancy made her home and her life in Crawfordsville, where she raised her family and touched many lives with her kindness, strength and quiet resilience.
In 1968, Nancy married Sam Gardner. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work until his passing in 2008.
Nancy was a devoted wife, a loving mother to her daughter, Dawn Meadows, and her son, Ron Gardner (Melissa), and the proud grandmother of six grandchildren, Kayla Gardner of Ladoga, Dustin Gardner (Darsey) of Darlington, Aaron Gardner (Rachel) of Whitestown, Shylynn Brown of Evansville, Taylor Brown of Frankfort and Bryce Brown of Frankfort and six great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her endless joy and pride.
Nancy is preceded in death by husband Harley Samuel; brothers, John and Robert Terry; and grandson Nathan Brown.
Throughout her life, Nancy worked diligently in various factory roles, never afraid of hard work and always committed to providing for her family. She was known for her down-to-earth nature, warm heart, and the quiet but steady way she showed love and care to those around her. She enjoyed playing piano, reading books and watching her children play sports and in musicals.
Her faith, though often quietly expressed, was a grounding part of her life, and it is fitting that her life will be celebrated at Ladoga Baptist Church, where she found community and peace.
Cremation services will be provided by Burkhart Funeral Home. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 1 p.m. June 21 at Ladoga Baptist Church, where family and friends will gather to remember the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
Though Nancy is no longer with us in body, her spirit and the love she gave so freely will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
