The Gardner Funeral Home was established in 1932 by Edward C. Gardner, grandfather of Wendy L. Gardner. The second generation began with Edward C. Gardner, Jr. in 1957 when he graduated from Eckels School of Mortuary College. Edward, Jr. took over ownership in 1978. That same year, David H. Gardner joined the funeral home finishing high school. David graduated from mortuary school in 1982, and worked in the business with his father and grandfather until his death on September 1, 1983.

In January of 1984, Wendy L. Gardner became the second third generation family member to enter the funeral business when she started the Funeral Service Certificate Program at Mercer County Community College. After the sudden death of Edward C. Gardner, Jr. in October of 1992, Wendy and her husband, Jim, took over the operations of the Gardner Funeral Home. Since then, they have continued the values and traditions set forth by Wendy’s grandfather and strive to offer the highest quality care for all families.