Trula Gardner, age 97 of Bakersville, passed away, surrounded by her family, on March 17, 2026. She was the daughter of George and Bessie Rathbone.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: her husband, Dallas Gardner; her daughter, Ann Ward; her siblings: Cleo, Gladys, Georgie, Rosa Lee, Orlie, Wilkie and Emory; her daughter-in-law, Brenda Gardner; her stepson, Dallas D Gardner and one grandchild, Casey Gardner.
Trula left behind the legacy of a big family, that all loved her very much: She is survived by: her children: Dean (Faye) Gardner, Eddie Gardner, Danny Gardner, Lester (Betty) Gardner, James Gardner, Donald (Penny) Gardner, Teresa (Richard) Sparks, Alane (Charles) Hobson, Dewayne (Charlotte) Gardner, and son-in-law Sherrill Ward; 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. Two sisters also survive her: Brenda Freeman and June (Phillip) Frye.
Trula loved spending time with her big family, she looked forward to get-togethers where the whole family would spend time with one another. She worked at Mountain Opportunity Center for several years; helping not only her son, but many others with special needs. She was a member of Roan Mountain Baptist Church, and she loved her Lord, Jesus Christ. She was an avid journal writer; she kept a daily journal for more than 40 years. She went to the Mitchell Senior Center for several years, where she enjoyed fellowship, outings, and crafting; she was a talented painter. Trula always had a kind word or complement and was an optimistic person; if anyone asked her how she was doing she would always reply “Good, Great and Wonderful!”
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2:00PM in Roan Mountain Baptist Church with Reverend Russell McKinney and Pastor GB Garland officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Green Young Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The Gideons International Mitchell County Camp PO Box 611 Spruce Pine NC 28777.
Henline – Hughes Funeral Service is honored to be assisting the Gardner family.