Evelyn Cole Gardner, 98, of Hutchinson, died December 5, 2018, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born January 3, 1920, in Arlington, KS, to Perry and Bessie (Dodd) Cole.

She taught in one-room schools at Riverton and Pleasant Hill prior to getting married. She then taught first grade at Arlington Grade School for 19 years.

On December 18, 1944, she married John L. Gardner in Kingman, KS. He died May 4, 2014. Survivors include: son, Tom Gardner of Derby; daughters, Virginia Fitzpatrick of Lake Dallas, TX, and Carolyn McInteer of Minneola, KS; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, John L. Gardner; brothers, Everett, Lawrence and Perry Jr.; and sister, Elsie Webber.

Friends may sign the book from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday December 8, 2018, with the family present from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. A private family graveside service will take place at Lerado Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to John L. and Evelyn C. Gardner Scholarship Fund at Hutchinson Community College, in care of Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association, or Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.