Merle Joan Howarth

Age 80, After a long and courageous battle with diabetes, coronary and renal disease Merle was called home by her Lord and Savior on August 5th, 2017. She was predeceased by her parents Charles and Camille McQuown of Mocanaqua, PA.

She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years Lee, 4 sons, Jerome Richardson Gardner and wife Shannon Gardner of Sunland CA, James Richardson Gardner and wife Inga Ona Gardner of Palmetto FL, John Richardson Gardner of Palmetto FL, and Jay Richardson Gardner and wife Karlin Gardner of Belgrade MO. 4 Grandchildren, Amberly Gentry and husband Ben Gentry, Jessica Gardner, Tara Gardner, Jason Gardner. 1 Great granddaughter Addisyn Gentry. She also leaves her beloved rescue dogs Zacky and Zoe.

Merle and her family moved to Bradenton in 1976 our country’s bicentennial year from New Jersey. She eventually moved to Palmetto and has been a very happy and proud resident since.

She became involved with Adopt-A-Family in the eighties. She led an effort and organized support by Blake Hospital for the “Santa Cruise”. It was so successful at raising funds for Adopt-A-Family she organized another Santa Cruise party on the Sea Food Shack Paddle Wheel Boat. For her efforts she received the Bradenton Herald Red Rose Award.

Merle will be missed by her husband, family and all who knew her. She was a remarkable loving person, and a caring and dedicated Grandmother.

Donations can be made in Merle's name to the American Heart Association, Animal Humane Societies.

Condolences to: Kicliter Funeral Home 517 8th Ave W, Palmetto FL 34221