Cleo Mlee Gardner, age 100, of Belleville, Illinois, died on Monday, May 21, 2007, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois. She was born in Iberia on May 7, 1907, daughter of Charles M. and Ella Mae (Wall) Long. On May 2, 1925, in St. Louis, she was married to Norman C. Gardner, Sr., who preceded her in death on September 26, 1981.

She was a charter member of Bethesda Baptist Church in Granite City, Illinois, and a member of Anchor of Life Assembly of God Church in Belleville. She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, writing poetry, and music. A lady of faith, she loved her church and believed in Angels.

Survivors include five daughters, Eloise Tegel of Granite City, Illinois, Nina Shelton of Buffalo, Norma Campbell and husband, Robert of Potosi, Mary Jane Shelton and husband, Lloyd of Belleville, Illinois, and Donna Morris and husband, Robert of Brumley; two sons, Norman C. Gardner Jr. and wife, Dorothy of Granite City, Illinois, and Billy Lee Gardner and wife, Jessie of Granite City, Illinois; one sister, Virginia Edwards of Nebraska City, Nebraska; 31 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, 22 great great-grandchildren; and other extended family and many dear friends.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Cecil, Harry, and Ralph Long; and one sister, Geneva Gibbany.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, at Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Interment will be in Iberia Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Friday and from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hub Community Center at Anchor of Life Assembly of God Church in Belleville, Illinois.