Malea Madeline Hoover Gardner, 70, of Reynolds Station, received her victory in Jesus on July 2, 2025, under the care of Hospice of Ohio County. Malea was born June 25, 1955 in Inglewood, California to the late Joe and Ginger Hoover. At 18 years old she met the love of her life "Bob." He brought her to Kentucky to visit, and she never left. Together they raised two daughters and welcomed eight grandchildren. Being a "Grammy" was her most prized title. She adored caring for her grandkids as little ones and watching them grow. She was so proud of all of their accomplishments and was their biggest fan at any event. 

She also loved her animals (Charlie, Calibu and Snoogie), her flowers, crafting, sewing and crocheting (she made each grandchild a blanket!), shopping, Sundays, pool parties, decorating her home, writing and making lists in her collection of notebooks, her television shows (especially Japanese movies), being nosey and fussing at her husband.

Malea leaves behind her soulmate of 53 years, Robert Gardner Jr.; daughters, Malena (Zach) DeJarnette and Lacey (John) Nantz; and eight beautiful grandchildren that were the absolute light of her world: Dylan, Abram, Rowen, Beau, Bryar, Mallori, Coy, and Memphis. Malea is also survived by her sister, Leilani in California; sister-in-law Debbie Welch; nieces, Heidi, Maggie, Julie, Connie and Kim; nephews, Jason and Allen; great nieces and nephews; Ray, Jeremy, Tani, Doug, Diego, Cassandra, Corey, Cyle, and Skylar; special childhood friends Shane & Tracy Hemenway and Wayne & Marilyn Hemenway, and many close cousins and family (she loved attending the Gardner reunions). She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Tani Eyster, in-laws Russell and Opal Gardner, a great nephew Daniel Badillo, and a brother-in-law Gene Welch. 

She was a California girl with a love for the beach and ocean, so a themed Celebration of Life to match will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Blackford Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Hawesville, KY. Dress accordingly.   

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Ohio County, honoring Malea’s spirit.