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Vivian Kaye Gardner, 82, of Fife Lake, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in Traverse City at the Bay Ridge Assisted Living with family by her side. She was born on August 30, 1941, at the Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee to the late F.O. Draughon and Fern (Attridge) Johnson. Raised in the Metro Detroit area, by her mother and Stepdad, Jack Johnson; Kaye graduated from Birmingham (MI) High School in 1959. She married William R. (Bill) Gardner on March 7, 1960, in West Germany and were married for 55 years, until Bill’s passing in 2015. When Bill’s service in the U.S. Army ended, they returned to Oakland County, MI to raise their family. During this time, Kaye was elected as a Trustee in Pontiac Township and served on the Zone Board of Appeals; after her term, she worked in the administrative management field. Kaye and Bill enjoyed camping, exploring many of the state parks in Michigan, visiting Lakes of the North in Gaylord, and their highlight trip – was touring the Canadian Rockies. For years, they were regulars at Michigan International Speedway for NASCAR races, where they developed many long-term friendships. After Bill’s retirement from GM, they embarked on a new adventure in Northern Michigan, starting KG & Company, an Antique and Collectable store on US-131, between Kalkaska and Mancelona. For over the next 20+ years, they had many customers who became friends – from all corners of the country and internationally. Kaye enjoyed collecting post cards and postage stamps. She was a devoted dog mom, with 3 Wire Fox Terriers over a 42-year period. Kaye was a member of the Fife Lake American Legion Auxiliary and Lake City Eagles. Kaye is survived by her children, Lori (Mark Walker) Gardner, Susi (late-Jeffrey Clark) Gardner, and Daniel W. Gardner; three granddaughters, and various nieces & nephews. Memorial service to be determined; Kaye will be joining her late husband and older sister at the Great Lakes National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please support the Red Cross (Kaye was a volunteer with them for years) or your local animal shelter. Cremation arrangements provided by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

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Vivian Kaye Gardner

August 30, 1941 - January 24, 2024