Ronda Jean Gardner

Ronda Jean Gardner, born July 23, 1945, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, at Peak Resources, where she received excellent care.

Ronda was a dedicated and loving sister, mother, aunt, and helper to many. Early in her career, she was drawn to caring for others and began as a school teacher at Winecoff Elementary School in Concord, North Carolina. She later worked at Cabarrus Hospital, helping in labor and delivery, and also served in the Emergency Room as a family liaison. In later years, she continued her life of service by working in several living settings with those who needed compassion and a helping hand. She lived in Concord for many years before moving to Harrisburg and continued her care giving.

She also found joy in quiet and creative pursuits. Ronda enjoyed reading, doing crafts, and scrap booking, and she shared that love with many others, teaching them to enjoy scrap booking as well.

Ronda will be deeply missed by her beloved family and many friends. She is survived by her sisters, Marsha Lineberger and her husband Al, and Clair Gunter and her husband Joe; by her children, Lauran Martin and her husband Roy, and Richard Smith and his wife Sue; by her grandchildren, Lilly, Jamie, and Samantha Martin and Alex Martin.  Her life was also shaped by the love and companionship of many friends whose lives she touched through her kindness and care. She also had  a nephew, who was like a second son to her and visited with her weekly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Barney Reece Gardner and Martha Elizabeth Blackmon Gardner.

The family extends heartfelt thanks for the excellent care she received.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m.in the Chapel 

Ronda Jean Gardner will be remembered for her compassion, her willingness to help others, and the love she gave so generously to her family and to all who knew her.