Susan Krista Gardner

Susan was born on March 6, 1949, in Atlanta, Georgia, to John and Dorothy Mayeske. Susan attended Georgia Southwestern University in Americus, Georgia, and married Sidney E Gardner on September 7, 1968 in East Point, Georgia.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Mayeske; brother, Mark Mayeske; and sister, Sandy Mayeske Graham; parents-in-law, Carl and Cornelia Gardner.

Susan is survived by her husband, Sidney E Gardner, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; daughters, Krista Beth Gardner Farinas and her husband, James, of New Port Richey, Florida; Lisa Dorothy Maria Gardner Hennigh and her husband, Dale, of Kansas City, Missouri; Amy “Summer” Gardner Buxton and her husband, Scot, of Blue Springs, Missouri; six grandsons: Blake Farinas, Alex Hennigh, Brandon Hennigh, Scot Buxton II, Samuel Buxton, and Saxon Buxton; one brother, Michael Mayeske and his wife, Betty, of Fairburn, Georgia; one sister, Sally Mayeske Doan, of Henderson, Nevada; one brother in law, Jerry Gardner and his wife DeeDee of High Springs, Florida; one sister in law, Patsy Hill and her husband, Marty, of Dallas, Georgia; six nieces and nephews, and eight grandnieces and grandnephews.

Susan and her husband loved to travel. During their 55 years of marriage, they were fortunate to be able to travel when the world was a bit friendlier; mostly to Asia, but also including the Mid East, Europe, North America, Central and South America, and many lovely Island nations. Their favorite people place: Bangkok, Thailand. The people there are the most genuine and friendly people you will ever meet. Favorite historical place: The Great Wall of China (the Mutianyu and Badaling sections), near Beijing, People’s Republic of China. Favorite tourist destinations: Machu Picchu (a.k.a. Machupijchu), Peru, and The Taj Mahal in Agra, State of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Susan was the ideal mother and grandmother. She nurtured her three daughters to grow into successful business leaders and loving mothers themselves, and she gave them a sense of compassion that gives direction and fulfillment to their lives. She continued this nurturement with six grandsons, who have become, and will become, successful pillars of their generation.

Her children’s most favorite memories of her surround the kitchen. She was always cooking some “Southern Favorite” recipe passed down from her family to her, and on from her to her children. Holidays were especially memorable in the kitchen, especially Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Oh, Birthdays too! Most forgettable Christmas meal? She and her new husband had moved four-hundred miles from her own Mother, ready for the next session of College (in Kentucky), and this was her first Christmas as a newly-wed (in 1968). The turkey was undercooked and almost everything else was overcooked (except the lime flavor Jell-O Mold), but her new husband didn’t mind…a friendly Denny’s was nearby and open for business! And the Jell-O mold served as dessert!

Susan looked challenges straight in the eye, set her mind, and overcame them. She rarely met someone who didn’t call her a friend.

Private graveside services will be held for the immediate family only.

Those who wish to remember Susan in a special way may make gifts in her memory to: Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, “in memory of Susan K Gardner”, 9001 State Line Road, Suite 300, Kansas City, Missouri 64114. Email address is KCHospice.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com for the Gardner family.