Shirley L. Gardner was born in Clinton, Missouri to John B. Lynn and Alice (Elliott) Lynn on October 16, 1949. She was one of 6 children. Shirley passed away April 12, 2025, in Kearney, Missouri.

Shirley grew up around Osceola, Missouri but spent most of her younger years living in Clinton, Missouri. One of Shirleys greatest accomplishments was graduating with her G.E.D. She enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, canning and eating delicious foods. Shirley worked at Rivals in Clinton, Missouri for over 20 years.

Shirley met and married Darrel Gardner and they spent their time together on the farm in Deepwater, Missouri. They shared a love for Darrel's children: Darrel Gardner Jr, Johnny Gardner, and Pamela Gardner. After Darrel's passing in 1988, Shirley met Herbert Crowder around 1990, and they formed a lifelong companionship.

She is survived by her brother Gary (Paula) Lynn of Carl Junction, MO, sister Elaine Storm of Kearney, MO, 5 stepchildren, many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents John and Alice Lynn, brothers: Johnny Lynn, Grover Lynn, and Bob Lynn, one baby sister, 4 nieces, and 3 nephews as well as her husband Darrel Garnder and her life companion Herbert Crowder.