Evelyn Marie Gardner, 95, of Walkerton, passed away at 2:43 p.m. on her 95th birthday, August 13, 2026 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Walkerton. Evelyn was born on August 13, 1931 in North Liberty to the late Matthew Inman and Dora E. (Naragon) Whitmer. She has remained a lifelong area resident. On August 13, 1949 in North Liberty, Evelyn and Keith Gardner were united in marriage. Keith preceded her in death on April 12, 2004 after 54 years of marriage.
Evelyn retired in 2001 from Lear Corporation after 40 years of employment. She was a faithful member of Pine Creek Church. Evelyn enjoyed volunteering for Marshall County 4-H where she was the Rabbit Project Superintendent for over 50 years.
Evelyn is survived by her four children, Tom Gardner of Walkerton, June Maher of Walkerton, Doris Barden of LaPaz, and Betty (David) Hostetler of Walkerton; eight grandchildren, Tammy (Don) Dickeson, Heather (Brian) Reathaford, Rick (Barb) Maher, Jr., Toby Gardner, Mike Maher, Nicole (Jeremy) Cox, Kay Hagen, and Adam (Hannah) Barden; 30 great grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren. Evelyn is also survived by her sister-in-law, Rita Whitmer of Valdosta, GA.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Pat Gardner; sons-in-law, Rick Maher, Sr. and Danny Barden; granddaughter, Theresa Klingensmith; grandson-in-law, Adam Hagen; three sisters, Linda Borton, Susan Boswell, and Bonnie Hendricks; and her six brothers, Charles, Gene, Jim, Rollo, Bert and Jerry Whitmer.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at the Pine Creek Church, 25075 Stanton Road, North Liberty, IN. Pastor Nathan Rosentrater will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Tyner Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Monday at the church from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friends may also visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Palmer Funeral Home-North Liberty Chapel is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Evelyn Marie Gardner may be donated to the Pine Creek Church, 25075 Stanton Road, North Liberty, IN 46554. Online condolences may be offered to Evelyn’s family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
