Flossie Marie Gardner was a loving wife, a devoted mother, a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and a woman whose greatest treasure was her family.

Marie is preceded in death by her Father Burlie Elliott and Mother Anna (Remmer) Elliott, her beloved husband Clifford Gardner, one brother Burlie Elliott, and three sisters: Edith Smith, Louise Blackshear, and Verlene Crow. She is survived by four sisters: Arletta Joiner, Shirley Shelton, Georgia Smith, and Elaine Cossie. One Son, Michael Ray Gardner and one daughter,  Margaret Gardner. Four grandchildren: Brandy Gardner-Cherry and son-inlaw Christopher Scott Cherry,  Daniel Gardner, Rebecca Gardner and Matthew Gardner, one Great Grandson Michael Gene Gardner and many nieces and nephews.

Marie was born in Bragg City, Missouri. She grew up in Southeast Missouri where she met the love of her life, Clifford, when they were just in the fifth grade. They married in 1960 and eventually, Marie and Cliff moved to Michigan, where Cliff began work at General Motors. Together, they built a life, raised their family, and shared 52 years of marriage.

Marie loved her family deeply. She was a good and loving wife and mother who gave her whole heart to the people she loved. She was spirited, strong, and passionate about her family. She took great pride in caring for her household and was the heart and strength of her home.

Marie was also a woman of faith. She raised her children in church and made sure that faith was an important part of their lives. She understood the importance of giving her children a strong foundation in God. Her faith, love, and example helped shape the family she loved so much.

Throughout her life, Marie picked cotton, worked as a school bus driver, and prepared taxes for many years, but Marie was also an entrepreneur. She had a plan for the future and the courage to pursue it.

Marie went to Mountain View, Arkansas to start and run her own movie theater. At the time, Cliff remained in Michigan because he had not yet retired from his work. Although they were temporarily living apart, Mountain View was part of the retirement plans they had dreamed about together.

Starting and running her own movie theater was another example of Marie’s independent spirit, determination, and willingness to take on a challenge. She was not afraid to try something new, and she had the strength and confidence to make things happen.

She loved cooking and sewing, and she enjoyed fishing trips and boating on the Great Lakes.  She loved camping, traveling in her RV and spending time outdoors with her family. These were the things that brought her joy and gave her opportunities to spend time with the people she loved.

And then there were her grandchildren.

Her grandchildren held a very special place in Marie’s heart. Some of their sweetest memories are of Marie making pumpkin pies with her grandbabies every year. Those moments were about so much more than making a pie. They were about being together, sharing time, passing down traditions, and creating memories that her grandchildren will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Marie loved taking her “Special Angel” (Brandy) on shopping trips and sewing cabbage patch  dolls for her while Brandy  watched.

Marie loved having Daniel ride shotgun and be her navigator on their long road trips.

Marie always kept cookies in her motorhome for her grandbabies. She got such a kick out of sneaking cookies to Matthew and Becky and then listening to all their reasons for why they needed just one more. Those little moments brought her so much joy.

One special family memory the grandskids recall is when Marie and Cliff would take them on little “adventures” as they called them. Their outings often ended with dinner at the TA truck stop.

Marie also loved when Matt would take her for a ride in one of his cars. She treasured those special moments with her Grandson

Marie also had a very special great-grandson, Michael Gene, who brought her so much joy. She spent a great deal of time with him, and the bond they shared was truly special. Marie loved Mikey deeply, and the time they spent together created memories that will always be treasured.

For Marie, these weren’t just ordinary days or simple family outings. They were moments filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. She created a lifetime of memories with her grandchildren, and those memories will live on in their hearts forever.

In 2012, Marie experienced the loss of her beloved husband, Cliff. After being widowed, she moved to Springfield, Missouri, to live with her daughter. There, she remained surrounded by family until the end of her life.

On Augest 18, 2026 at 11:54 P.M., Marie passed away, just three days before her 86th birthday. She had lived 85 years and 362 days—a lifetime filled with love, faith, family, hard work, adventures, and many memories.