Kathleen Mae Gardenour
September 16, 1951 — April 20, 2025
Kathleen Mae Gardenour
September 16, 1951 - April 20, 2025
Kathy Gardenour, age 73, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on September 16, 1951, Kathy was the daughter of Cleo and Alice Smith. On August 19, 1972, she married her childhood sweetheart, Gary Gardenour, and together they shared nearly 50 wonderful years of marriage.
Kathy proudly described herself as a "jack of all trades, master of none," and she truly lived up to that in the best way. Over the years, she worked a variety of jobs, but she especially excelled as a seamstress, creating beautiful work that touched many lives and stood the test of time.
She loved the outdoors and treasured camping trips with family and friends. Many weekends were spent at Whalen Lake, and later at Diamond Lake, where she followed her daughters and quickly became part of a new camping community filled with laughter and lasting friendships.
Kathy was deeply involved in her children's lives-from teaching them jacks and jump rope to leading their Girl Scout troops and enthusiastically supporting their many adventures. She was always up for anything, never complained, and gave 100% of herself to her family. Her joy only grew as she became a grandmother, cherishing every moment spent with her grandsons.
Known for her infectious spirit and creativity, Kathy loved to have fun and was famous for organizing themed parties that people still talk about. Her flair for celebration and love of family is a legacy that lives on through her daughters.
SURVIVORS
Kathy is survived by her daughters Christina (Jason) Woodring and Dawn (David) Cook; grandchildren Johnathon Homer, Gabriel and Brock Cook, Angela (Bryan) Saunders; great-grandchildren; her sister Gloria McDonald; sister-in-law Wendy (Kirk) Swanson; JoAnn Gardenour; and many special nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gary, her parents, her brother Gary Smith, sons-in-law Lee Homer Jr., and brothers-in-law William McDonald and Curt Gardenour.
SERVICES
A celebration of Kathy's life will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home, 1469 Peck Street, Muskegon, MI 49441. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Following the service, friends and family are invited to stay for dinner and a time of fellowship in Kathy's honor.
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