Mary E. Gardiner

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary E. Gardiner, a remarkable woman who graced this world from November 17, 1931, until May 7, 2025. Mary left an indelible mark on the lives she touched through her dedication, kindness, and love.

Born to Philip and Irene Ritter, Mary grew up honing many skills that she would master throughout her life. She was a proud honor graduate of Randolph High School, Class of '49, and later that year she became the devoted wife to Creston Luzerne Gardiner… United in marriage they stepped together into the world ready to face head-on its challenges. She was a skilled seamstress devoting many hours to her craft. True to name, Mary enjoyed gardening, and loved to cultivate many varieties of beautiful flowers throughout her yard.

Mary was the true matriarch of her family. She and her loving husband, "Chris" built a home that was a sanctuary of warmth and love, where laughter resonated, and family bonds flourished. Throughout her life, she was a hard worker, always lending her hand as a caregiver to those in need. She offered wise counsel and a simple comforting presence.

Mary devoted her time to her four children and their loved ones: Creston "Chris” Gardiner (Vickie Provens), Carolyn Gardiner, Robert Gardiner M.D. (his husband, Peter Chadwick), and Mary Christine "Chris" Thomas Schwartz (Lee Schwartz). To each, she instilled her values of perseverance, determination, and resilience. Similarly, her legacy will live on through her beloved grandchildren: Lauren Thomas (her husband, Jason Meyer), Ashley Thomas, Ryan Thomas, and her great-grandson, Mathew Cooper. Each one of them will carry a piece of her spirit, enriched by the lessons she imparted with such heartfelt convention.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Philip E. and George A. Ritter, her son-in-law Lee Schwartz, and Vickie Provens. Her greatest hardship was the death of her one and only beloved husband, Chris, forty years ago. Even in the face of grief she held her family together.

A visitation will be held from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Newcomer North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, in Dayton, Ohio, with Mary's funeral service starting at 1:00pm. A committal service will follow at Miami Cemetery in Waynesville, Ohio, where Mary will be laid to rest beside her husband.

We shall remember Mary E. Gardiner for the life she lived and for her legacy of hard work and caring for others. May she rest in eternal peace, forever cherished and deeply missed.

To share a memory of Mary or to leave a special message for her family, please see our Guest Book below.