Mary Lou Gardner, 98, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026. She was born June 8, 1928 to the late Pat and Alice (Hall) Vanhorn.

Mary worked at Williams Shoe Factory and served as an executive secretary at Southern Ohio Medical Center. She was a longtime member of Wheelersburg First Church of Christ. She enjoyed bowling, UK basketball, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She graduated from Wheelersburg High School, where she was a cheerleader for the Pirates.

Mary will be fondly remembered for the delicious pies and desserts she lovingly made for family and friends, her kindness, warmth, and the many lives she touched throughout her 98 years. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank The Courtyard of Wheelersburg for the loving care Mary received while at the facility.

She is survived by granddaughters Elizabeth Mounts and Melissa Lawson; a great-granddaughter Mazie Lawson and special cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Waldo; brother, Johnny; great-granddaughter, Alyson Lawson; and nephew, Dee Vanhorn.

Funeral Service will be held Monday, August 17, 2026, 1:00 PM at D.W. Swick & Son Funeral and Cremation Services in Wheelersburg, Sam Cook officiating; interment to follow at Memorial Burial Park. Visitation will begin at 12:00 NOON until the service time.