Obituary

Jennifer Jean Gardner (Stean) died from Dementia related complications on November 2, 2024, at the NorthCare Hospice House. She was born on July 10, 1962, in Lawrence, Ks and the daughter of Vern Stean and Georgia Ambler. Jennifer grew up in Bonner Springs, Ks and graduated from Bonner Springs High School in 1980.  She met Jon C. Gardner (Chris) after High School and were married on April 19th, 1986. They began having children in 1987, three biologically (Melissa (Mel), Austin and Jon (Cooper) and taking in two teenagers (John (Drew) and Ashley Bearkheimer) in 2005. Jennifer began her career with The Audit Group in 1991, where she would continue until retiring in 2017. Jennifer would lose her Husband Chris in late 2018.  Afterwards, she found knew companionship with Mark Schlotzhauer in 2020.  Jennifer was also diagnosed with Dementia in 2020.  Shortly after, she moved in and live with Mark for the remainder of her life, as her dementia continued to progress.  As late-stage dementia had taken hold, Jennifer received Hospice care before passing away.

Jennifer was a fierce and tenacious person.  She did just about everything at 100 percent.  She took great pride in her career.  The milestones she personally achieved and the growth of the company itself.  She loved her family, which was a large catalyst for why she worked so hard.  To achieve success (financially) that allowed them to live lives’ they desired. She loved people, giving back through charitable acts and often going well above and beyond for those in need.  And she would be fiercely and tenaciously upset if it was not mentioned that she loved to run.  Jennifer would continue her favorite hobby of running up until weeks before her death.

Chris, her late husband was her world. The co-pilot to the life and family they created. This grieving process was painful and challenging for Jennifer, but she knew that Chris would want her to continue enjoying life.  Jennifer would get a second act after meeting Mark.  Shortly after, sadly, Jennifer would receive the diagnosis of Dementia.  Mark made the choice to continue on this journey with Jennifer, knowing the complexity that the future would hold. Family (primarily children) and Mark provided Jennifer with years of fruitful experiences ranging from trips, concerts, time with her grandchildren and living life in a way that SHE wanted to enjoy.

A service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Lee’s Summit on Friday November 8, 2024, at 4pm.  The family asks instead of flowers to make a donation to the Hope House or any other charity in the name of Jennifer.

Predeceased by: Jon C. Gardner, Kevin Ginther, Bill Gardner

Survived by: Melissa and Maxine Ginther/ John (Drew), Ashley, Jolene and Jeri Bearkheimer/ Austin, Monica and Bennet Gardner/ Ashley, Collin, Amelia and Carter Crossley/ Jon (Cooper) Gardner, Mark Schlotzhauer

Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3^rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063