Maude McKenzie Gardner

Maude McKenzie Gardner, 91, of Maryville, died Tuesday, March 12.

She was born to the late Jerome and Bertie McKenzie, on Sept. 28, 1921, in Decatur. Maude married Walter Gardner in 1945, and they lived together in Oak Ridge for 50 years, before relocating to Maryville.

Maude’s working career began at an early age as a school teacher to all grades of a one-room school near the Ten Mile community. She then became assistant to the Decatur postmaster. After moving to Oak Ridge, she was a guardette and calutron operator at the Y-12 facility, then worked at various local retail positions, where she got to know and love many of the locals.

She was an expert seamstress and homemaker. She was also a dedicated Red Cross volunteer, donating her time to help with the needs of our wartime soldiers. Maude was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Maude was a former member of Robertsville Baptist Church and Woodland Park Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Edna Miller and Iva Rockholt; brother, Malcolm McKenzie; and niece, Marie Dobbs.

Maude is survived by her husband of 68 years, Walter (Gene) Gardner; two children, Ronald Gardner of Oak Ridge and Karen and husband Charles Haun, of Maryville; three grandchildren, Kimberly and husband Ryan Raphael, of St. Louis; Bryan Thomas of Atlanta; Griff and wife Jessica Gardner, of Novato, Calif.; three great-grandchildren: Dillon (age 8), Lily (age 3), and Nathan (age 2); three special nieces: Robbie Bennett and June Brown of Chattanooga, and Faye Ross of Branchville, Ala.; and other loving extended family.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Rev. Tim Kinsey officiating.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 16, at 2 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park with Rev. Brian Scott officiating.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.