Sharron Diane (Menear) Gardea

Sharron “Diane” Gardea

March 12, 1958 – May 7, 2023

Sharron “Diane” Gardea, 65, departed this life and went home to be with Jesus while worshipping her king last Sunday morning May 7, 2023. While shocked at her unexpected passing, the Gardea family is rejoicing that she is with the Lord, whom she loved.

Diane was born to John Wesley and Louella Menear in Morgantown, West Virginia in 1958, she was the youngest of their 12 children. The family relocated to Michigan in later years, and it was in Fennville that Diane met the love of her life. Highschool sweethearts, Diane and Roberto Gardea married soon after graduation, almost 50 years ago. The happy couple raised their family in Fennville, Michigan.

The matriarch of the large Gardea family, Diane loved to travel and vacation around the country to visit them all. Diane’s mother-in-law not only taught her to speak Spanish fluently, but also taught the newlywed the treasured, old family recipes. She was a quick study and soon Diane became renowned for cooking Mexican food and feeding family and friends.

Not content to stay in the kitchen, Diane was an avid photographer, loved to travel and was an exuberant shopper. Gardea earned her Medical Assistant degree from Corinthian College in 2010 and also enjoyed working at Wagner’s Deli. She spent the remainder of her time spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Diane has been active in their church, Pan de Vida, serving as treasurer, and volunteering her time at the Pan de Vida food pantry.

Diane Gardea was preceded in death by her baby son, Roberto Gardea Jr. who lived only three weeks and three days: her parents; John Wesley Menear Sr. and Louella Menear.  Also, her sister Janet Menear Kelly; brothers Monte Joe Menear; Robert “Bobbie” Menear; Kevin Scott Menear.

Diane is survived by a huge loving family who will miss her wonderful advice, joyful presence, and enduring love. They are:

Her husband, Roberto Gardea of Fennville.

Her children: Anna Nicole Evilsizor (Noel) of Marana, Arizona

John Gardea (Casey) of Fennville, MI.

Diane’s surviving siblings are Jerry Menear (Linda) of Ganges, MI; Nancy Cross of Fennville; Patrick Menear (Theresa) Hamilton, MI; Charlotte Jenkins (Dan) of Fennville; Michael Johnson (Virginia) of Tunnelton, WV; Christopher Menear (Brenda), Fennville; John Wesley Menear, Jr. (Elise) also of Fennville.

Diane leaves a Godly legacy in her many grandchildren and great grandchildren:

Mersaadies Gardea-Gregg (Jeremy) of Marana, AZ.

Milaan Gardea of Fennville, Mi; Montana Gardea (Macy) of Springdale, Ohio. Other grandchildren of Mrs. Gardea are Johnny, Mason, and Brooklynn Gardea.

Great grandchildren of Gardea’s are Finn and Presley Gardea-Gregg of Marana, AZ; and Lovey, Ivy and Thea Gardea of Ohio.

There will be a celebration of life on June 17th, 2pm, at the home of John and Casey Gardea which will be open to all who wish to honor and remember this wonderful woman of God. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Diane’s honor to City on a Hill Ministry in Zeeland, Michigan. 

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