Clara Mae (Harding) Gardner, age 92 years and 6 days, went peacefully to her heavenly home Monday afternoon, September 21, 2020 at the Ozark Riverview Manor Nursing Home with loving staff members by her side.

Clara Mae was born to Fay Harding and Frona (Davis) Harding in Nixa, MO on September 15, 1928. She was the eldest of two children.

Clara owned and operated several businesses with "the most handsome man I ever saw" – her husband Jack Gardner – the last one being Apple Jacks Country Store in Ozark. Like Jack, her love of Jesus Christ and proclaiming her faith in Him was a gift she carried into these businesses. She also turned her life over to Jesus at a young age. Friends recollect a sweet little girl about age 10 entering a Tent Revival meeting being held by her uncle Roscoe Harding and leaving as a young lady in Christ on a mission.

Clara and Jack Gardner were united in marriage May 22, 1946. To this union three sons were born: Kerry, Ron and Mark. Clara was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband of more than 73 years, Jack; son, Ron and nephew, Timmy Harding.

Clara is survived by two sons; Kerry Gardner (Carol) of Nixa and son Mark Gardner (Gretchen) of Highlandville; three grandsons, Dr. Erin Gardner of St. Louis, Matt Gardner (Sara) of Nixa and Joshua Gardner of Nixa; six granddaughters, Tonya Gardner Murfin of Fremont Hills, Brooke Gardner Lane (Phil) of Dallas, TX, Bethany Reser Foster of Cary, NC, Molly Gardner (Chris) of Rogersville, Elizabeth Gardner Statler (Bryan) of Highlandville and Zoe Gardner of Highlandville; eleven great grandchildren, Laikyn and Madden Murfin, Abigail, Catherine, Margaret and Joseph Gardner, Carson and Chloe Combs, Paige and Alli Gardner and Everly Statler; one brother, Bill Harding (Louise) of Springfield; two nephews and one niece, Greg Harding, Chris Harding and Tammy Harding; devoted daughter-in-law Carla Pope Gardner and foster daughter Debbie Eubanks (Dan) and their children Megan and Gara.

Clara truly lived for Jesus and her family. She was the epitome of a loving Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor. Clara welcomed everyone with words of encouragement. Prayers and Scripture were always in abundance. She loved going to church, teaching Bible School, Sunday School, singing in the choir and testifying for her Savior. She was the best at keeping family members and stories alive. She was born a Harding but was thoroughly a Gardner! Her laughter was contagious. Clara was a wonderful cook and loved seeing family gathered around the table. Sadly, Alzheimer's began to steal her from us ten years ago – her stories, laughter and energy for life became less and less. Then CoVid-19 found its way to isolate her physical body from us. But God with his Mercy said enough is enough! Time to come home Clara Mae! Jack and I are waiting for you!

Her Journey's Just Begun
By Ellen Brenneman

Don't think of her as gone away -

Her journey's just begun,

Life holds so many facets –

The earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting

From the sorrows and the tears

In a place of warmth and comfort

Where there are no days and years.

Think how she must be wishing

That we could know today

How nothing but our sadness

Can really pass away.

And think of her as living

In the hearts of those she touched…

For nothing loved is ever lost -

And she was loved so much.

The last time I saw her, there was activity in the hallway at the Nursing Home. "Nanny" thought we (and all the family) were at her home with Jack. She looked at me with sweet, loving innocence and said, "I'm so happy we are all together again and we all love each other. That's what Dan Dad and I always prayed for." Clara's wish was for everyone to find Jesus Christ, love him and witness to others.

Remember – all reading this obituary of a fine Christian lady – a heart is not judged by how much you love, but how much you are loved by others.

"May flights of Angels sing thee to rest"

We love you sweet "Nanny"

An informal visitation will start after 4:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home Friday, September 25, 2020. Graveside service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Glenn Cemetery.