Linda Gardner

Linda Gardner passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026 at her home in Ridge Farm surrounded by family. She was born on April 4, 1952 in Danville, Illinois to Donald and Dorothy {Mills} Wheeler. She attended Georgetown High School and graduated alongside the Class of 1970. 

Throughout her life, she maintained a deep connection to her community and was actively involved in her church, the Vermilion Grove Friends Church, where she served as treasurer. Her contributions to the church demonstrated her unwavering dedication to supporting and uplifting those around her as well as her unwavering faith. A dear friend said it best, “She was sewn into the fabric of Vermilion Grove Friends and we are all the better for it.” She also devoted many years to local banks as a senior loan officer, where her professionalism and expertise left an enduring mark in the community.

Linda found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a fondness for anything that sparkled and cherished every moment spent with her family and grandchildren. The love she shared with her family was truly her greatest treasure, and her ability to bring joy and warmth into their lives will always be remembered.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Don Wheeler, and her granddaughter, Emma Turner.

Linda is survived by her husband of 24 years, Randy Gardner, as well as her mother Dorothy Wheeler, and her children Ryan Gardner, Matt (Susie) Gardner, Jill (Lance) Turner and Valerie (Adam) Winland. She will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren Gabe Gardner; Ben, Chris, & Rose Winland; Grace, Hattie & Luke Turner; and Dane & Rhett Ervin; her brother Tim (Carla) Wheeler; her aunts Susie Smith and Lydia Weaver Hall; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her niece Kathryn Bartenschlag and nephew Bryan Wheeler.

A visitation will be held from 11 am – 2 pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Vermilion Grove Friends Church. A funeral service celebrating her life will immediately follow at the church beginning at 2 pm. The family asks that attendees of the services wear something sparkly and full of joy in honor of Linda. Joe and Mindy White will be officiating. She will be laid to rest at the Vermilion Grove Cemetery following services that day. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, can be written in her honor to the Vermilion Grove Friends Church. Online condolences and fond memories can be shared with her family on her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com