Katharine “Kathy” Smith Gardner, 64, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2013, at Hospice Cleveland County - Wendover Facility.  Born in Mecklenburg County, she was the daughter of the late Milton Levick and Katharine Shellem Smith.  Kathy was a member of Shelby Presbyterian Church.  She spent much of her time in local community service clubs including the Junior Charity League where she served as president from 1986 – 1987.  She served on the board of directors of the Girls Club, trustee of Cleveland County Memorial Library, member of the Shelby Garden Club and Literario Book Club and board member for the O. Max Gardner foundation.  Kathy loved the quality time she was able to spend with her grandchildren.

Kathy is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 43 years, John Mull Gardner; sons, Cameron Webb Gardner and wife Marcie Gardner of Shelby and William Shellem Gardner and wife Amanda Sheftman Gardner of Shelby; grandchildren, Katharine Maureen Gardner, Nathaniel Barrett Gardner, Lila Grace Gardner, Jackson Shellem Gardner; sister, Joanne Smith Gaskins of Rock Hill; nieces, Amie Summer of Rock Hill and Kari Harper of Rock Hill.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, May 30, 2013, at Shelby Presbyterian Church.  Dr. Luke Harkey will be officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Ellis Fellowship Hall at the church.  At other times the family will be at the home.

Memorials may be made to Cleveland County Memorial Library, 104 Howie Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or Junior Charity League Clothing Room, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Gardner.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com