Michael Ray Gardner

Michael Ray Gardner, age 70, of Newark, passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at Hospice of Central Ohio’s Inpatient Care Unit at OSU Wexner Medical Center.

Michael was born August 5, 1951 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Raymond Ambrose and Margaret Ann (Wolfinger) Gardner. He was a 1969 graduate of Meadowdale High School in Dayton and received an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from OSU-Newark. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during Vietnam.

Mike owned and operated several grocery stores in the area. Following retirement, he worked at RCD Sales in Heath, instructing clients on their new motor homes, which was a real passion. Mike was the owner and breeder at Winsong Kennels and enjoyed showing Afghan Hounds. He also enjoyed golfing, rv’ing, boating, flying, traveling, and especially loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joann Margaret (Hodges) Gardner; two daughters, Lyndsey Michelle (Patrick) Ropp of Charlotte, NC and Nicole Elizabeth (Zac) Kueffer of Newark; grandchildren, Savannah Ropp, Henry Michael Kueffer, and Emma, Alex and Abby Ropp; sister, Lisa Ann (Louie) Zamora of Portage, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Kathy Wadley.

The family will observe a private memorial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Michael and his family.