Gwen Gardner, 75 of Prophetstown, IL, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, IL. She had been a resident there since January of 2025. Her brother, Garth of Moosehead Lake, Maine, was at her side.
Gwen was born on April 22, 1950, in Morrison Hospital, to parents Dean C. and Marjorie J. (Gibson) Gardner. Educated in the Prophetstown School system, she graduated in 1969 and went to work as a babysitter for local families. Over the years, Gwen worked for four families, shepherding at least a dozen children who have grown up to be Prophetstown’s best and brightest. They were her Magnum Opus.
Gwen was very active in the First Lutheran Church family for her entire life. She sang in the choir; was a dutiful student in the Confirmation Class; taught Sunday School; assisted the Superintendent; helped maintain the Church library, among the many opportunities to serve the Church.
Gwen spent much of her time looking to the future by continuing to care for children. She was very involved in seeing to the needs and development of her nieces and nephew, who love her dearly. This happy pastime gave Gwen the opportunity to travel a bit: from Kansas City to California and then Connecticut. She was good-natured about the travel, but always glad to be home in Whiteside County.
In later life, Gwen became caregiver for her Mother, Marjorie; first at our family home and eventually for four+ years at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Prophetstown. She walked to Good Sam every day for that span of years, to be with her Mom. She kept her company every day at Good Sam and stayed very engaged as an Activities Aide for several years, after Marjorie passed away.
Gwen is survived by her brother, Garth (Kelly) Gardner of Greenville, ME; nieces and nephew, Bailey (Ted) Rose, Lindsay (Trevor York) Gardner, and Sully (Coral Hinkley) Gardner; great-nieces and nephews, Austyn Rose, Barrett Rose, and Theo Gardner.
She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Marcia and Francia.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for all the “loving kindness” shown to Gwen during her time at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, where she formed many friendships. From the front door to the kitchen, Gwen knew that she was somebody in God’s Love.