Wanda Lou Thornburg was born in the Ray Community on October 20, 1944, alongside her twin sister Carole, to parents Jack and Zelma (Crisp) Thornburg. She was one of eleven kids. Wanda gained her angel wings on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at her home in Hulbert, Ok.

Wanda graduated from Hulbert school. She married Warren Gardner in 1960, together they had three children, James, Connie, and Wayne. Wanda started a quilting business in 1994 and quilt tops were brought from all over. When she wasn't quilting she was sewing, working in her flower bed, or making some kind of craft. Warren always said Wanda made the best fried chicken in the world.

Those left to cherish her memory are husband, Warren just 4 months short of 60 years of marriage; three children, James Gardner and wife Stasia of Wagoner, Ok, Connie Moreland and husband Tim of Tahlequah, Ok, and Wayne Gardner and wife Crystal of Hulbert, Ok; five grandchildren, Brandon Kilpatrick and wife Lindsey, JT Gardner, Michelle Gardner, Bryce Gardner and wife LaRena, and Kelsie Campbell; six great grandchildren, Braxton and Lexi Kilpatrick, MacKinzy, Athena, Zoey, and Logen Gardner; two sisters, Carole Townsend and Pearline Rhodes; two brothers, Allen Lee and Roger Thornburg; and many other friends and family.

Wanda has gone home to be with her parents Jack and Zelma Thornburg; her sisters, Allean Daniels, Maxine Rhodes, Geraldine Thornburg, and a stillborn baby girl; and two brothers, J.R. and David Thornburg.

Funeral Services for Wanda Gardner will be held on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Mallett Chapel with Pastor David Jones officiating. She will be laid to rest with her family at IOOF Cemetery in Hulbert, Ok. Pallbearers for Wanda include her three grandsons; Brandon Kilpatrick, JT Gardner, Bryce Gardner; Robby Baker, Chris Jenkins, and Ron Troyer. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 20 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. also at Mallett Funeral Chapel.