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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.
4 comments
Alan Lee
Dede was one of my best friends. We worked together at Western Savings and she was amazing to be around. He sense of humor made my day, almost everyday! She loved people and could makes friends with any who walked in the door. Customer service was invented by her. Everyone loved Dede, and she loved everyone. The world would be a better place if everyone would show the love and kindness that she gave everyone! I will miss her and the joy and kindness she always gave me and others. To know Dede is to love her! A beautiful woman both inside and out. Heaven now has her and the people waiting on the other side will soon realize, there is another amazing women who just arrived, our loss their gain!!
Marcy Gooch
I will miss my mother terribly. She was my best friend,my person to laugh with, cry with, vent to and simply hang out with. She taught me the importance of of being kind and always making friends wherever you go. Also to have a positive attitude. I love you so much mom. I will see you and dad someday soon. Untill then keep your eye on me , Tatum, Zane, Jason ,Richard, Matix, Sawyer, Ozzie, Major and Scout❤️
Nicholas Coleman
Always a great friend. Loved her sense of humor. She will be missed by all our classmates form the class of 1956.
Richard Gooch
Dede was my favorite Mother in Law. She was always kind and caring about me and my family. I loved watching her prepare for Christmas and birthdays for her family. She must have spent a fortune in wrapping materials. She loved giving gifts to her children and grandchildren. She knew all them well and they loved their “G-maw”. She kept track of all her grandchildren, sons and daughter, sisters, their kids and attended most of their special occasions. She was a artist in making birthday posters to go with her special balloons that got left at your door on your special day. She loved going to Church and visiting with friends and family. She was loved by so many people. She will be missed so much. We love Dede.