Mrs. Clara Jo (Scott) Gardner

Mrs. Clara Jo Gardner, 73, of Knoxville, Illinois died 3:02 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2021 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg. 

She was born December 27, 1947 in Galesburg to Hank and Mary (Burgess) Scott.  She married Allen R. Gardner December 27, 1963 in Knoxville.  He preceded her in death December 13, 2002.

Surviving is a son, Jeff (and Lori) Gardner of Knoxville, four daughters, Tricia Butler of Galesburg, Kathy (and Lance) Mitchell of Knoxville, Karen (and Floyd) Lamberson of Silver Lake, Wisconsin, and Karri (and Jim) Pendergast of Galesburg, a significant other, Charlie Rodgers of Knoxville, two brothers, Jerry Scott of Miami, Florida and Alan (and Judy) Scott of Spring, Texas, a niece that Clara thought of as a sister, Rhonda Kendall of East Peoria, Illinois, nine grandchildren, Ashley Butler, Dylan Butler, Ty Gardner, Tarryn Gardner, Zach Lamberson, Haley Lamberson, Kaitlyn Pendergast, Kayla Pendergast, and Peyton Mitchell, and a great grandchild, Brody Butler.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Ronnie Scott and John Scott, a sister, Sue Ellan Scott, and a grandson, Jordan Butler. 

Clara attended Knoxville schools.  She was a member of the Covenant Church in Galesburg.  Clara was a caregiver.  In many settings from taking care of both her parents and her late husband in her home, to various jobs at nursing homes and residential facilities, Clara took care of many.  She will probably be remembered most for taking care of dozens of children for over 15 years running her “Little People Daycare” in Knoxville.  All the children were loved as her own and became part of her extended family.  There were many field trips to the zoo, museums, the park, and to parades and picnics.  She had many great helpers at the daycare to make it all come together including Jenna, Karen, Barb, Stephanie, and her daughter, Karri. 

When it came to her kids and grandkids, very few sporting events were ever missed.  Whether it be hundreds of track or cross country meets from Jr. High to college, or football, baseball, basketball or softball, Clara was on the sidelines.  From Dance recitals to marching bands, she usually found the time to cheer the kids on. 

After retirements, in her free time, she helped at the local food bank and more recently worked with her brother Jerry, cleaning and restoring apartments to be rented at a local complex.  During this time at the apartments, she met a special friend, Elaine, and they spent much time together. 

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel.  Due to guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and facemasks will be required with limited occupancy.  Private funeral service will be Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the chapel.  Rev. Tom Ek will officiate.  Those wishing to attend the funeral “virtually” may watch the live broadcast at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday on the funeral home’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Hinchliff-Pearson-West-Funeral-Directors-and-Cremation-Services-1603336644037824.  Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville.  Memorials may be made to Huntington Disease Society of America.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.  

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