Evelyne Irene Gardner, 81, of Ottumwa died at 4:30 a.m. October 25, 2026 at Bloomfield Care Center.
She was born October 3, 1945 in Udell to Harold and Merna Moore Henshaw. She married James Gardner April 27, 1963 and they later divorced.
Evelyn graduated from Centerville High School. She did book work for JP Concrete and also worked as a slot supervisor at Harris Casino in Colorado.
She had attended Bible Baptist Church and had occasionally attended First Church of the Open Bible. Evelyne enjoyed cooking for her family and she loved her pets.
Surviving are her children, Andrea (Kenneth Jr.) Waller of Centerville Paula Gardner Ottumwa; a special daughter, Mary Smith-Gardner; grandchildren, Danielle Waller, Landon Byrley, Maureen Waller and Aidyn Duval.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Jackie Henshaw; siblings, Delores Ballanger, Jerry Henshaw and Gary Henshaw; 2 dogs, Molly and Papa; 2 cats, Squirt and Shalom.
Her body has been cremated. Services may be held at a later date.
