Ada Marie Gardner

Ada Marie (Venters) Gardner, 84, longtime resident of West Jefferson, Ohio, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2021. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Don Gardner; parents, Gerna Sr. and Mary (Morvauchik) Venters; brothers, Johnny and Gerna Jr. Venters; sisters, Faye Hammond and Twila Sue Venters; nephew, Josh Venters, niece Penny Venters, and her cherished granddaughter, Rosie Marie Stroud. She is survived by sons, David (Pam), Marc (Sandy) Gardner and daughter Staci (Chris) Stroud: Granddaughters, Erin (Jason) Pedicini, Scarlet and Grayce Stroud: great-grandchildren, Owen and Ava Pedicini; sister, Patti (Joe) Frissora, brother, Bill Venters and sisters-in-law, Joy Venters and Phyllis Mason and many nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Ada.  Ada was born in Logan, WV and as a child moved back and forth across the Ohio River.  She was the oldest of 7 children and graduated from Gallia Academy High School at the age of 16.  After a series of odd jobs, she started working for Ohio Bell in Gallipolis, OH at 18.   Ada moved to Columbus at the age of 21 and never looked back.  She continued her career at Ohio Bell and it was there where she met the love of her life and husband of 61 years, her “Donnie”.  Don and Ada married 41 days after their first date on December 31, 1959, as she refused to be married during a leap year.  They soon moved to West Jefferson and made it their lifelong home with their three kids.  Ada was a stay-at-home mom for most of her life and she eventually went back to work and retired from Eddie Bauer.  Ada’s life revolved around her children and grandchildren.   Those who knew Ada saw her generous spirit, her love for garage sales, her never-ending quest for a good bargain, and that she had a sweet tooth that was beyond compare.  She was never afraid to speak her mind and tell you exactly how she felt, which was both a blessing and a curse, but you knew she always had your back.  She enjoyed dancing, bowling, card club, and good music.  Ada was an active member for several years at the First Baptist Church in West Jefferson.  She was also active in the West Jefferson Community Association and several community functions.  We are at peace knowing her and Donnie are dancing once again.  A special thanks to Tammie Dillion and the staff at The Grove at Oakleaf Village and to Terry Murphy and the staff from Wesley Hospice for their care and compassion. Friends may call on Tuesday, June 8 from 5-7pm at Rader-McDonald-Tidd Funeral Home 1355 W. Main St, West Jefferson, OH, 43162 (please note Rt. 29 is closed) with a private burial and celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ada’s memory to the First Baptist Church 686 W. Jefferson Kiousville Rd. SE, West Jefferson, OH 43162 or to a charity of your choice.