Gwendolyn Gardner Smith, age 67, passed away on May 8, 2026, in Farmersville, Texas. She was born in Monett, Missouri to Blonde and Beatrice (Craig) Gardner.
Gwen graduated from Clever High School in 1977 and completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University in 1982 and 1986. She began work for the City of Arlington in 1987 where she and Gary Smith met. They were married on April 15, 1989, in Clever, Missouri.
Gwen grew up in southwest Missouri in a small town near Springfield. She loved living the rural life and enjoyed spending time with her family. She also loved working at Silver Dollar City in the summers as a cave guide and continued to work there as a landscape architect before she returned to school for her master’s degree. After she was married, she and Gary lived in St. Charles, MO and later Renton, WA before they returned to St. Charles. There Gwen began raising her three children. The family moved to Weatherford, TX where Gwen continued homeschooling until the kids graduated from high school. She loved being outside and did all the landscaping and yard work. Gwen loved and cherished her friends and family, but the grandchildren thrilled her most.
Her faith in Christ grounded her and guided the decisions she made. Christ’s love affected how she lived and who she was on this side of Heaven. All who knew Gwen will remember her by her gentle spirit, strong convictions, easy smile, and laughter. Gwen loved deeply, was a wonderful host, and desired to take care of those around her. She was her husband’s best friend, Cavyn’s confidant, Karis’s adventure buddy, and Jared’s biggest fan.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Smith, her brother James Gardner, her sister Michelle Barnettand husband Michael, her children: Cavyn Gunderson and husband Joe, Karis Smith, Jared Smith and wife Claire, her grandchildren: Tilly Smith, Judson Smith, and Vash Gunderson, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Blonde and Beatrice Gardner, and her Sister-in-Law, Debbie Gardner.
Funeral Service to be held on May 16th at 1:00 pm
Bethlehem Baptist Church
16167 CR 665 Farmersville, TX 75442
Graveside service to be held at later date in Clever, MO.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Time To Revive