Stella Wanda Gardner

Stella Wanda (Atkins) Gardner, 96, of Tipton entered eternal rest Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at Cedar Manor Nursing Home, Tipton. Visitation will be held at Fry Funeral Home on Monday, October 31 from 9:30-11:00 am. Funeral service will begin at 11:00, interment to follow at Tipton Masonic Cemetery. All memorials in Stella's honor may be directed to Tipton Lions Club. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com. On September 5, 1920 in Rochester, Iowa, Stella's life journey began, where she was born to Everett and Nora (Rehbehn) Atkins. Stella attended and graduated from Tipton High School with the class of 1938. She then attended Paris Beauty Academy in Cedar Rapids before working as a Beautician. Stella was united in marriage to the late L. Claire in 1940. They made Cedar County their home where they have raised their three daughters: Cathy, Diane and the late Janet. Stella was a housewife, mother and had a passion for learning and teaching, from Campfire Groups to 4-H; Tipton Study Club to Sunday Schools at United Methodist Church. (Where she has been a member for many years) She purchased her very first computer when she was 78 and even upgraded several years later! To fulfill yet another dream, she began taking piano lessons when she was 84. Trend setter, teacher and a friend whom one could always confide in...Stella was a genuine, loving soul and will be remembered always. Stella is survived by her daughters, Cathy (Philip) Ott of Canon City, CO and Diane (Larry) LeBlanc of Jefferson City, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Janet Gardner; brother Darrell Atkins; sisters Marcella Kruse, Erdine Kruse and Mabel Dolan.