Mary Virginia Gardner, 95, of Richmond, passed away on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. 

Mary was born on May 19, 1927, in Lafayette County, the daughter of Andrew Paul and Lola Mae (Crumley) Gosoroski.  She was united in marriage to George William “Bill” Gardner of Richmond on Jan. 16, 1960; he preceded her in death on May 12, 2006. 

Survivors include son, Leslie “Pete” (Marsha) Gardner of Kansas City; two daughters, Linda K. Floyd of Kansas City and Donna E. Ruckdeschell of Popular Bluff; nine grandchildren, Bambi (Ben) Casady, Mindy (Phil) Crabtree, Courtney (Brandon) Tankesley, Lesley Dickey, Janice (Mark) McGinnis, Renee (Roy) McCaulley, Angela (Tim) Plummer, Jim (Rena) Ruckdeschell, and Rhonda (Kenny Cline) Ruckdeschell; 27 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; and six special nieces and nephews: Steve (Elana) Dailey, Larry Dailey, Theresa Coleman, Randy (Bea) Dailey, Jamie Martin, and Marly (Brian) Arbuckle. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter, Janice Marie, and sister, Maxine Dailey. 

Mary was reared and educated in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School in 1945. She worked as a housewife and homemaker, raising their children, while her husband worked for the Ford Motor Company. Mary always had a huge garden and enjoyed canning the fruits of her labor. Mary and Bill loved to fish together in their spare time. She enjoyed crocheting and made all of her family members afghans; every new baby got one. Mary was a huge Chiefs and Royals fan and could be found with a cold beverage, cheering them on, into her 90s. 

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the donor’s choice.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085. 

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m., with services to follow at 1:30 p.m.  Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.  Please remember to share your memories of Mary with the family by visiting thurmanfuneralhome.com.