Lila Rae Gardner passed away on January 30, 2026. Visitation followed by services will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, KS 66112.
Lila Rae Gardner was born to Raymond and Maurine Morris on September 12, 1928. Lila married Melvin Eugene Gardner on November 24, 1945. Lila was one of the world’s most beautiful flowers, as well as one of God’s special angels. She was loved by all, but especially by her sons and grandchildren. Her favorite thing in life, besides enjoying her family, was spending time at the lake, whether it was Weatherby Lake or Lake of the Ozarks. She loved to travel with her sisters Barbra and Norma visiting Seattle, Washington; exploring Niagara Falls, the East Coast from Bangor, Maine to Martha’s Vineyard; touring the Bridges of Madison County; and attending her grandson’s wedding in Clearwater, Florida.To pass time in the winter months, she enjoyed paint-by-numbers, crocheting, building puzzles with her husband, word searches, and watching birds, squirrels, and everything to do with nature.
Lila was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Gardner; her parents, Raymond and Maurine Morris; her brother, Robert Morris; her sisters, Norma Resch and Barbara Campbell; her oldest son, Dennis Gardner; and her great-grandson, Bailey Gardner. She is survived by her sons, Richard Gardner and Daniel Gardner; her grandchildren, Kimberly (Gardner) Anderson, Jeffrey Gardner, Troy Gardner, Tammi Gardner, Nicholas Gardner, Danielle (Gardner) Chidester, and Rachelle (Gardner) Starks; 16 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels or Wounded Warriors
A graveside service will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas, 66112, on February 6, 2026.
Pallbearers will include Darrell Anderson, Jeff Gardner, Troy Gardner, Todd Thomas, Nick Gardner, Christian Starks.
The family welcomes you to gather with them at the funeral home after the service for lunch, refreshments, and fellowship.
