Joan (Snellenberger) Gardner was born December 15, 1929, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Norta M. (Harakas) Snellenberger and Russell F. Snellenberger. She went home to her Savior on October 20, 2026. She lived her entire life in Indiana, the last 50 years in Lebanon, Indiana.

Joan grew up in a loving family, with three sisters and two brothers in Indianapolis. Joan was an identical twin, happily sharing life experiences, not only with her twin sister Jean, but also her beloved sisters, Kathryn and Helen and her two brothers, Russel and Earl.

At Shortridge High School, Joan and Jean shared classes and took advantage of being twins on more than one occasion. Jean disliked reciting in class, so Joan once gave her own book report, then a day or two later, gave her sister’s, with the teacher unaware of the switch. Jean paid her back by taking Joan’s final swimming exam; Joan never did learn to swim. This system worked well, for both twins graduated from Shortridge and won scholarships to Butler University.

Although an excellent student, she nevertheless left her college career to work at Eli Lilly and Company to support her parents during tough economic times.

She married Donald L. Gardner of Indianapolis on April 4, 1954.

Don and Joan were faithful members of North Liberty Christian Church in Indianapolis and then, Mts. Runn Baptist Church in Lebanon, raising their family to know and love the Lord.

We remember her faith, her smile, her sweet spirit, and her kind and generous heart.

She absolutely loved filling her house with people, baking Greek butter cookies and baklava, and hosting Christmas and holidays. Joan loved poetry and could always quote an appropriate poem from memory for any occasion. She loved music, especially hymns.

Joan lived her life to help others, always putting others ahead of herself. Her special talent was in knowing how to love and give. She loved selflessly. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, her friends, and most of all, her Savior.

Because of her sweet Redeemer, Jesus, she is now reunited in heaven with her dear family and friends gone on before.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don; her sisters, Kathryn Dixon, Helen Litscher, and Jean Cross; her brother, Russel Snellenberger; her brothers-in-law, Joseph Dixon, Christian Litscher, and Kenneth Cross; her sisters-in-law, Bonita Snellenberger and Nancy Snellenberger; and her son-in-law, Mikel Shonkwiler.

She is survived by her daughters, Jean (Doug) Runyan and Nancy Shonkwiler; grandchildren, Randy (Abigail) Richardson, Gregory Runyan, James Shonkwiler, Karin (George) Johnston, Julie (Seth) Byrd, and Joseph (Grace) Shonkwiler; and great-grandchildren, John Johnston, Gwen Johnston, Aaron Byrd, Morgan Richardson, Liam Byrd, and Callie Byrd.

Family and friends will gather Tuesday, October 27, for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Daniel Minton officiating in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Joan will be laid to rest at North Liberty Cemetery in Indianapolis.

You are invited to visit the website where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message at www.strawmyerdrury.com.