Deborah Gardner Obituary

Debbie Lynn (Miekley) Gardner, 67, of Clever, Mo., passed away on July 5, 2025, after a short illness. She was born in Springfield, Mo. On January 11, 1958. She was one of two sisters born to Glenn and Carolene (Ottendorf) Miekley. She graduated from Clever High School in 1976 and attended Cox Radiology School and Ozark Technical College. Debbie was united in marriage to James Gardner at the First Baptist Church of Clever almost 49 years ago on August 27, 1976. Debbie was raised on dairy and beef farm and milked cows in partnership with her parents for several years following high school. Later she worked for the United States Post Office where she retired in 2024. Debbie was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, friend, and wife. She touched the lives of many with her profound sense of humor, quick wit, creativity, curiosity and outgoing nature. She was well known for her Ozarkian sayings such as, "That's how the cow ate the cabbage." "He's wound tighter than an eight-day clock." "He will wall'er a hole in that mattress." She also referred to herself on many occasions as a sassy German woman with a fire in her belly. She was a good friend to many and possessed an uncanny ability to connect to just about anyone she met. She was known for her hard work ethic she developed at a young age from working on the farm. She loved cooking large meals for her family, raising flowers and plants, going to shows in Branson, shopping at Amish stores and fishing for trout at Rockbridge Trout farm. One of her greatest talents was playing the piano, whether at church or at home, she served as a church pianist for over 50 years in five different churches. Lastly, it cannot go without saying she loved to get places in a hurry. A neighbor once nicknamed her Mario Andretti for how fast she drove by his driveway on her way to work. Debbie was preceded in death by parents Glenn and Carolene (Ottendorf) Miekley and a brother-in-law Rick Wampler. She is survived by her husband James of Clever; one sister, Glenda Wampler of Republic; two daughters and spouses, Brandi and Ramey Stevens of Conway; Dana and Geoff Sherman of Marionville; one son and spouse, Chris and Andrea Gardner of Clever; four grandchildren, Nora Stevens of Conway; Coleton Gardner, Bri Gardner and Maddie Gardner all of Clever and many other relatives, family and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. July 9th at Meadors Funeral Home in Clever. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Clever on Thursday, July 10th at 10:00am. Graveside services will be in Delaware Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Clever.
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