Doris Jean Gardner

She was born on May 7, 1929, in Chicago, IL, to Frank F. and Violet J. Schroeder. Her family including her older brother, Frank, moved to Kalamazoo, MI when she was 8 years old. Doris graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. She married Robert Gardner in 1950. They raised 3 daughters, Jeanine, Sherie, and Kathleen. She enjoyed camping, sailing, canoe trips, water and snow skiing with her family. Most summers, she and her family would enjoy these activities around Gun Lake. All three daughters were baton twirlers and competed in baton competitions and marched in numerous parades.

Doris would sew their outfits even late into the night and then drive her daughters to competitions the next day. She also drove twice to Philadelphia for them to march in the Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Doris and Robert moved to Phoenix AZ in 1984 after their daughters had all grown. Doris worked for 11 years at Honeywell as an Accounting Associate and retired to travel to Michigan to see the leaves changing colors. Doris is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Frank W. Schroeder, her husband Robert, and Joshua Marks, her great grandson. Doris is lovingly remembered by daughters, Jeanine L. (Kalman) Kahn, IL, Sherie K. (Richard) Trusty, AZ and Kathleen S. (Troy) Lennen, CO; 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Doris will be deeply missed by her family and friends who loved her dearly. Rest in Peace. At her request, we will be having a Celebration of Life in Michigan this fall. Dignity Memorial, Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary, and Cremation Center Sun City AZ is assisting the family with this celebration. Online condolences can be shared at sunlandmemorial.com.