About Deanne DeWitt Gardner
Charismatic, joyful, and full of life, Deanne DeWitt Gardner learned early that life was better when filled with family, faith, and a good dose of mischief. Born in 1938 to Frank and Margaret DeWitt, Dede grew up in Mesa, Arizona, graduating from Mesa High School in 1956. In 1958, she married Del Gardner, beginning a partnership built on teamwork, shared beliefs, and a love of sports.
Dede’s home was more than a house; it was a haven—where reality TV marathons were sacred, blackjack was serious business, and there was always ice cream waiting in the freezer. She also had a zest for life. Famously, Dede survived being hit by a train—an event that would have shaken most people, but for her became a hilarious story to retell, complete with sound effects, dramatic gestures, and the reminder that she was, clearly, invincible.
Dede spent her life in service to others — through a long career in banking, as a beloved bus monitor for special needs students, and through countless acts of quiet kindness within her church. But her true calling was people. She had a gift for remembering, encouraging, and lifting others, always reflecting back the best within them. Everyone she met was treated like family, and once you were part of her circle, you were loved for life.
Her nurturing spirit, fierce loyalty, and infectious laughter leave a lasting legacy. To be part of Dede’s family—by blood or by choice—meant being loved forever, without condition and without end.
Dede was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose life was an unparalleled example of generosity, resilience, and joy. She is survived by her children and their families: Marcy and Richard Gooch (grandchildren Tatum and Zane), Brent and Dina Gardner (grandchildren Dustin, Bree, Dani, Braydon, and Bailey), Dirk and Sharla Gardner (grandchildren Emmi, Beau, Sam, and Ben) and her 17 great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her beloved sister, Garna Randall, and by a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were blessed to know her and carry her love forward.
Deanne was preceded in death by her husband, Del Gardner; her parents, Frank DeWitt and Margaret Wright DeWitt; and her sisters Sharlene Bouldin, Marsha Turk, Brenda DeWitt, and Vicki Gephart—who were not just sisters but best friends through every season of their journey.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 848 North Westwood, Mesa, Arizona .
