Myrtle "Darlene" (Tate) Gardner Johnson

Myrtle "Darlene" (Tate) Gardner Johnson Myrtle "Darlene" (Tate) Gardner Johnson, age 79, a resident of Breckenridge, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at her residence. Darlene was born the daughter of Obie Elbert and Eva Lena (Miller) Tate on February 26, 1938, in Callao, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Cliff A. Gardner on March 13, 1955, in Callao, Missouri. He preceded her in death. She was then united in marriage to Alton Ray Johnson on June 22, 1985. He preceded her in death on March 12, 2012. She lived in rural Otterville and surrounding areas until moving to Breckenridge in 1979. Darlene owned and operated her own daycare, over the years caring for 100 children. She was an ordained minister and member of the Breckenridge United Methodist Church, Breckenridge, Missouri. Survivors include two sons, David W. Gardner and wife Jean of Breckenridge, Missouri, and Phillip Rene Gardner and wife Belma of Kansas City, Kansas; one daughter, Rebecca Wrenn Barton and husband Jerry of Kalispell, Montana; fifteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and her beloved companion, Miss Kitty. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Cliff A. Gardner; husband, Alton Ray Johnson; two sons, William Lee "Bo" Gardner, and Leroy Dale Gardner; two daughters, Rita Mae Morris, and Rhonda Rae Mowell; and one brother, Harold Tate. A scheduled visitation will be held at the Pitts Funeral Home, Breckenridge, Missouri, on Friday, July 7, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friends may call at the Pitts Funeral Home, Breckenridge, Missouri, on Friday, July 7, 2017, from 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell County Foundation Cancer Assistance and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Funeral Home, Breckenridge, Missouri.