Alice Sue (Gardner) Strain, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 26, 2026, with family by her side.

Sue was born May 11, 1939, at her parents’ home in Souder, Missouri, to Waid and Gladys Gardner. Sue attended a one-room school for her early education and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1957.

After high school, Sue moved to Springfield, Missouri, where she attended Blue Bonnet Beauty School.  It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Billy Dean Strain, at Fisher’s Hi-Boy on St. Louis street. After a short two weeks of dating, they became engaged and were married on June 7, 1958. Their marriage was one of deep devotion and love. God blessed their union with three children, Brian Waid Strain, Teresa Ann Brophy and Angela Sue Wilson.

During their early years of marriage Sue worked in a variety of beauty shops. In 1962 Sue began her career with Kraft Foods. After a long career Sue retired in the early 1980s.  Seeing retirement life was not for her, Sue fulfilled her love for flowers and plants working at Walmart. Sue loved tending to not only the flowers but also the customers.

After moving several times in Springfield,Missouri the couple found their forever home in Ozark, MO. They were both active in their community of Ozark, Missouri and built lasting friendships. After Bill’s death Sue was active at Selmore Baptist Church, where she enjoyed fellowshipping and serving with her friends. Sue was a longtime member of the local Utopia club where she volunteered in the local schools and community. Sue was known for her green thumb, her sewing and quilting, her love of cooking, and her generous heart. She took great joy in caring for her family; especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always there to offer love, support, and a warm meal.

Sue is survived by her children, Brian Strain (wife Brenda), Teresa Brophy, and Angela Wilson (husband Kelly); her sisters, Janet Deffenderfer (husband Ron), and Judy Berka (husband Leondard); her grandchildren Holly Strain (husband Michael), Jason Strain, Jessica Mansker,  Ariel Murphy (husband Dan), Daphne Brophy, Charlie Wilson (wife Sarah), Jeanie English (husband Matthew), Kelly Guerin (husband-Shorty); great-grandchildren Skyler Strain, Ethan Strain, Landon Strain, Breanna Dickens, Austin Dickens, Maliah Strain, Wyatt Inmon, Colton Robinson, Matthew Murphy, Miles English, Titus English, Vivian Wilson, Hattie Wilson, Tripp Wilson, Theodore Wilson and Gaige Longley; great-great-grandchildren Kayden Robertson and Jett Campos, and many nieces and nephews, along with extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Dean Strain, and her parents, Waid and Gladys Gardner.

The family would like to give special thanks to the many wonderful caretakers who supported them in caring for Sue these last few years; Joann Swearingin, Dorothy Phillips, the staff of Magnolia Square and Seasons Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Utopia Club Chapter of Ozark, MO PO Box 2013, Ozark, MO 65721 or the charity of the donors’ choice.