Jean Adele Gardner, 97, of Salina, KS, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2022. Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years A.V. and her son Alan. She leaves behind her daughters Elaine Parrent (Oklahoma City) and Janet Vanderbilt (Bill) of Salina, two granddaughters Stacee McMahon (Paul) Phoenix, AZ and Amanda Olivier (Brent) Loveland, CO, two great-grandchildren Cooper and Delainey Olivier, 3 step grandchildren, 5 step great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild on the way and Sweetie Pie her beloved dog.

Jean Sperau graduated from McGaheysville High School in McGaheysville, VA on June 3, 1940. She married A.V. Gardner June 16, 1942, in Port Republic, VA. They moved to Salina, KS in 1952 to open Mid-States Armature Works.

Jean’s love of sports started with her foundation as an athlete, playing several sports in high school and even winning State with her basketball team.  Throughout the year you could always find a ball game on, either Jeans’ cherished Royals, her favorite KU Jayhawks, or the Kansas City Chiefs.  Jean was active in bowling leagues, played Bridge for years and enjoyed golfing at the Elks as often as she could.

If you were lucky enough to have a meal at Jean’s, then you knew what an amazing cook she was. Her fried chicken and Spritz cookies were legendary and no one could resist her pimento cheese. Jean was also an avid doll collector, loving Dolls by Jeri and Madam Alexander. She proudly displayed her ever expanding collection.

Jean or better known as Grandma Jean’s most important passion was her family. She was kind, patient and loved to spoil her grandchildren and great grandchildren more than anything in the world. Christmases and birthdays were lavish, everyone’s favorite treats were in abundance, and the door was always open with a big hug waiting on the other side.

The service will be held Saturday September 3, 2022, 10 am at Ryan Mortuary and will be officiated by Rev. Marvin Simmers, Avondale Estates, GA, Jean’s nephew.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Salina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Kansas City Royals Charities or Hospice of Salina.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean Adele Gardner, please visit the floral store.