Rose M. Gardner

Rose M. Gardner, 90, of Strasburg, passed away peacefully early on Sunday, April 18, 2021. She survived a stroke seven years ago and continued to enjoy life and be an inspiration to all who knew her.

Rose was born on May 2, 1930 to Paul and Grace (Reiger) Dorsey. She was reared by her grandparents, John and Nettie Reiger. Rose graduated with the Strasburg High School Class of 1948 and married John R. “Jack” Stoneman on December 31, 1952.

Rose was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack, in 1967, along with her brothers and sisters and their spouses: Ralph (Bernice) Reiger, Russell (Catherine) Reiger, Mary (Herman) Luthie, Paul (Vicktoria) Reiger, Lester Reiger, Robert (Evelyn) Reiger, Eugene (Helen) Reiger, and Evelyn (Eugene) Clutz.

Rose will be deeply missed by her husband, Robert H. Gardner, with whom she celebrated 52 years of marriage on April 3rd of this year. She is also survived by four children, Steph (Rick) Lautenschleger, Denise (Bob) Hartline, both of Strasburg, Rita (Ken) Mast of Dover, and Ken (Margaret) Gardner of Pickerington, eight grandchildren, Heather (Corey) Forrest and T.J. Lautenschleger, Natasha (Adam) Demuth and Lexi (Ryan) Palmer, Chelsie Mast, Elizabeth (Nathan) Rensberger, Rachel Gardner, and Jim (Chelsey) Gardner. Rose and Bob were also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Theo Forrest, Tyrus and Jack Palmer, Matthew, Sarah, and Anna Rensberger, and Georgiana and Graham Gardner.

As a woman who always took such pride in her work, Rose was employed by the Garver Brothers’ Store and at Strasburg Schools as secretary to the superintendent. She went on to retire from the Village of Strasburg as the tax administrator, but she continued to enjoy doing taxes for many more years.

Rose was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg and served on the Board of Christian Education as well as the church council. She was also a member of the Strasburg Schools Board of Education and an avid Tiger basketball fan for many years. Some of her most treasured memories came from traveling with her husband, Robert, as they attended his many Lions Club functions over the years. She also loved playing canasta with her group of best friends.


A service celebrating Rose’s life will be held on Saturday, April 24th at 11:00 AM at St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg with Pastor Jason Rissler officiating. The family will be greeting friends one hour prior to the service. Masks and social distancing will be observed. Those unable to attend may view the service live by visiting the St. John Strasburg Facebook page. Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory and a private graveside service will follow at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John United Church of Christ at 516 N. Wooster Avenue in Strasburg, OH 44680.