Merab Elizabeth (Wharton) Gardner, 70, passed away on April 27, 2016, at her home with those who loved her, turning her over to God’s care. Thank you Lee and Dawn … you were my rock. Merab was born
June 14, 1945, in Newport News, Va., to John F. Wharton and Rebekah (Fouts) Wharton.
She graduated from Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis and later received her Associates Degree from Ball State University. Merab retired from General Motors in 2004 after 28 years, having worked in production at Delco Remy, Guide Lamp and Delphi.
She married her soulmate, Leland E. Gardner, and together they had two children, four grandchildren and one great-grandson. She and Leland were very blessed by being happily married for more than 52 years and theirs was truly “The Never Ending Love Story”.
Merab enjoyed camping, crafting, reading, puzzles, wintering in Florida and her family and friends.
Survivors include her husband, Leland; son, Daniel (Kellie) Gardner; daughter, Dawn (Jeff) Richardson; grandchildren, Ashley (Phil) Johnson of Noblesville, Chelsea Denman of Dublin, Ohio, Kamden Richardson of Pendleton and Jacob Gardner of Pendleton; great-grandson, Kellen Maxwell Johnson; brother, Ric Wharton of Tampa, Fla.; and in-laws, Larry Gardner, Lannie Gardner and Linda Wright all of Pendleton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her much loved in-laws, Raymond and Verna Vee Gardner; sisters-in- law, Faye Wharton and Norma Gardner; brother-in- law, Mike Wright and numerous dear friends.
Merab wanted to thank her friends and trusty army made up of Nikki Richman, Patty Griffin, Marilyn Strange, Beth Richman, Bernetta Scott, Vicki Hardesty, Marilyn Smith, Susan Weismantel, Greta Cecil and Lynn Hallinga. You women have been truly amazing.
To Dr. Eddy, Janelle, Maggie, Diana, Dr. Zook and all the girls at the Cancer Center, your kindness, caring, and compassion knows no equal. Thanks to you all and to you, too, Kurt Kahl.
Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday May 1, at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Lahm Chapel. Services will be at 10 a.m., Monday, May 2, at Lahm Chapel, Pendleton with the Reverend Barry Humble officiating. Burial will follow in Grove Lawn Cemetery, Pendleton.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Riley Children’s Foundation, 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Online condolences available at wilsonstpierre.com.
