Wanda Louise Gardner, age 79, of Albany, Missouri, died March 23, 2025, at Pine View Manor Nursing Home in Stanberry, Missouri.

She was born on June 30, 1945, in Drexel, Missouri. She was the daughter of Wayne G. and Mary (Casada) Ritter, Sr.

Wanda was a homemaker and worked for Tortel out of Grandview, Missouri. She was loving, funny and full of life. She enjoyed crocheting and mostly reading books.

She was married to James Gardner. He preceded her in death in July of 2005.

On Thanksgiving Day in 2017, Wanda moved to Albany to be with her daughter Leona. Wanda was a Christian and passed away with Cancer.

Besides her husband, Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, sister Leanora Newburn, brother Wayne G. Ritter Jr., daughters Cora Kerns and Barbara Sasser and two great-grandchildren Barbara Froment and Austin Musgrave.

Survivors: daughter, Leona Jones and son-in-law, John Elmore of Albany; 8 grandchildren, Elizabeth Musgrave, Mary Froment, Cassandra Grotz, James Sasser, Christina Sasser, Heidi, Samantha, and Nathaniel; and several great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life: 3:00 PM Thursday, April 24 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Memorial Contributions: Wanda Gardner Memorial Fund. Online Condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com