Doris J. Gardner

Doris Gardner, 78, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026.

Born July 12, 1948, Doris was the oldest daughter of Ralph and Jane Lingle. She was raised in Clearfield alongside her siblings, Carol Briskar, Ralph Lingle, Dennis Lingle, and Randy Lingle, and was a proud member of the Clearfield High School Class of 1966. It was in Clearfield where her lifelong love of family and adventure first began.

Over the course of her life, Doris called many places home, including St. Marys, State College, Harrisburg, and Hummelstown, Pennsylvania; Middle River, Maryland; and Summerville, South Carolina. In 2022, she returned home to Clearfield to be near the family she cherished and became a member of the Awaken 514 Church family.

Doris built a vibrant career in hospitality management and was also known for her exceptional desserts. Her signature peanut butter pie became so beloved that she and her husband, Ken, named not one, but two of their sailboats after it - a fitting tribute to something that brought so much joy to family and friends.

Those who knew Doris will remember her infectious enthusiasm for life's simple pleasures. She loved being around dogs, the charm of ladybugs, shopping expeditions, a good pair of shoes, and lazy days at the beach. She had an adventurous spirit and an appreciation for the things that made life a little brighter.

But above all else, Doris's world revolved around two people: her son, John, and her husband, Ken. Her love for them was unwavering and boundless, and they were the center of her life.

Doris is survived by her devoted husband, Kenneth Gardner; her son, John Palmgren, and his wife, Kara Bennis; her brother, Ralph Lingle; her sister, Carol Briskar; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ralph and Jane Lingle, Doris was preceded in death by her brothers, Dennis Lingle and Randy Lingle.

A memorial service celebrating Doris's life will be held at Awaken 514 Church on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Anthony Caiola officiating. A luncheon in her honor will immediately follow the service at the church.

Beardsley Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit beardsleyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Doris's name to the Clearfield County SPCA, 275 21st Street, Clearfield, PA 16830, or through the SPCA's PayPal donation option at clearfieldcountyspca.org.

Doris will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but the joy she found in family, adventure, and life's simple pleasures will remain a cherished part of her memory.