Elizabeth "Liz" L. Gardner, age 73 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Community Hospital in Anderson surrounded by her loving family following an extended illness.  She was born on July 9, 1944 in Elwood, the daughter of Thurel and Charolette Ruth (Miley) Jones.  Liz formerly worked as a cook at East Star Inn in Elwood for 17 years.  She married Richard Gardner on January 29, 1968, and they shared over 49 years of marriage together.  Liz enjoyed playing many types of board games with her family and also playing solitaire.  She loved to watch game shows and soap operas, especially "Wheel of Fortune" and "The Young and the Restless".  Liz liked to spend time with her best friend Vicky until her passing in March of 2017.  She was an outstanding homemaker who always cooked and made delicious meals for her family to enjoy.  More than anything, Liz was a loving mother who loved to spend time with her family and have them visit her home.

Liz's family includes husband of over 49 years, Richard Gardner of Elwood; 3 sons, Tom (wife Brenda) Gardner of Florida, John (wife Sarah) Gardner of Yorktown, and Shawn (wife Chrisy) Gardner of Elwood; daughter, Kim Gardner of Knox; 2 brothers, Thomas Jones of Elwood, and David Jones of Elwood; 2 sisters, Shirley McAbee of Fort Wayne and Linda Boll of Elwood; 3 grandchildren, Christine (husband Jack) Dunlow, Callie Montgomery, and Lauraly Montgomery; and several nieces and nephews.  Liz was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Edwin Jones.

Cremation was chosen and burial will take place at a later date in Sunset Cemetery in Elwood.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home to offset expenses.  Online expressions of condolence to the Gardner family may be made at copherfeslermay.com.