A Life Well Lived

Gladys ''Happy'' Irene Gardner went on to be with the Lord February 11, 2025. Beloved Mother, Friend, and Servant of the Lord to all who knew her will be missed greatly. She brought a smile to all and a special ''Happiness'' to those fortunate to spend time with her.

Happy was one of the ''DeVore Bunch'', daughter of James and Elsie Witt DeVore of Center Point, Texas. Beautiful inside and out, Happy was an achiever in academics and in women's sports as well as a cheerleader at Center Point High. Her competitive spirit continued throughout her 90 years and she placed a high importance on education. Happy selflessly encouraged and supported her family in all their achievements especially in their pursuit of higher education. Although not a college graduate officially herself, she surely earned many honorary degrees as she put her family first. Throughout her life she served in education positions like Sunday School, kindergarten and substitute teacher. She culminated her education and accounting skills from other employments to become a registrar at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas.

With a Servant's Heart, Happy defined the word ''Helper'' volunteering in so many activities - too many to list. She always brought a can-do attitude with a big smile and joyous laughter to boot. She had a wit about her that was sure to make anyone smile and with sweetness in the midst. Happy faced life head on with faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus. She was brave in the midst of life's storms always determined to overcome with strength and endurance - with the Word of God as her foundation. She truly lived a Life of Faith.

Happy was adventurist and fun. In her younger life with her siblings playing in the rivers of Kerr county, riding horses, playing sports, and later in life playing dominoes with friends, boating, fishing, - even dragging a catfish too heavy to reel in by running up a hill. Always game for an adventure. She loved animals, gardening, music, traveling and had a special love for God's great art in the sky - Sunsets.

Happy was a devoted wife to Frank D. Gardner, originally of Tucumcari, New Mexico; whom she married in 1983. They shared many wonderful memories together creating a new life for themselves older in life. She faithfully cared for Frank throughout their life until his passing in 2006.

Happy loved her family. She had four daughters from a previous marriage - Donna Lynn, JoAnna, Frances Lee, and Dorothy LaVeta. She took pride in her daughter's life accomplishments - in education, sports, family building, community involvement and definitely in each of their endeavors to share the Gospel of Christ. She was the loudest voice from the sports stands - faithfully attended events, dutifully served at their side - and the best prayer warrior they could have. Happy definitely loved her grandsons and great grandchildren. Her eyes lit up and her smile radiated at the mention of their names - and they loved her dearly. She loved her furry companions as family too and had a special place in her heart for them - she was the best ear rubber of all.

Preceded in death by most of the DeVore family members, Happy is survived by her three sisters: Eleanor Baker, Fay Baker, and Donnie DeVore - each originally of Center Point, Kerr County, Texas. In addition to her husband Frank Gardner preceding her, Happy's eldest daughter, Donna Lynn Williams preceded her in death.

Happy is survived by daughter JoAnna Rawlins, son-in-law Boyd Rawlins, grandson Ross Rawlins and granddaughter-in- law Jessica Rawlins, great grandson Brock Rawlins and great granddaughter Karis Rawlins - all of Derby, Kansas; daughter Frances Flanagan, son-in-law Rowdy Flanagan, and grandson Charles Flanagan of Marble Falls, Texas; and daughter Dorothy Williams of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Along with her immediate family, Happy had countless family and friends she met along the way to always remember her for the wonderful warm sweet woman she was.

Happy was ready to go - even said so - saying she had lived a good long - sometimes hard - but well lived life. She wanted to go on to her Maker - and the rest of her cherished loved ones. She will now be in the Grand Stands cheering on everyone - in particular - her upcoming grandson Charles' s graduation - her final goal in life - cheering the loudest - getting to ''See'' him walk the stage.

Graveside services will be held at 1 PM,Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Garden of Memories Cemetery.