Merle Gardner, 83, Chanute, died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010 at the Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita.

Merle was born in Parsons on Dec. 8, 1926, the daughter of Arthur L. and Elizabeth Laisure Hardman. She attended Chanute High School.

She was united in marriage to William Gardner on Sept. 29, 1943 in Yates Center. They would have celebrated their 67th anniversary in September. He survives.

Merle retired from NuWa Industries.

She was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Elks Club and St. Patrick Altar Society.

Merle is survived by her husband, William, Chanute; a daughter, Vickie Gossett and her husband, Ron, Chanute; two sons, Steve Gardner and his wife, Carolyn, Chanute and Stan Gardner and his wife, Lisa, Broken Arrow, Okla.; six grandchildren, David Gossett and Blaine Gardner, both of Chanute, Eric Gossett, Mounds, Okla., Nickolas Gardner and Alex Gardner, both of Broken Arrow, Okla., and Ryan Gossett, Austin, Texas; great-grandchildren, Rhiannon and Carys Gossett, Jade, Gabe, and Gavin Gardner, Andrew and Laken Gossett and Graham Gossett; and a brother, Leamon Hardman, Chanute.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a granddaughter, Kelly Gardner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Chanute. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery.

Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. this evening at the church.

Memorials in her name may be made to St. Patrick Altar Society and may be left with the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

“To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com”