Ann Quay Gardner

Ann Gardner had a unique way to engage her Gate City High School geometry students when spring came and their motivation flagged. She had every student construct a Moravian Star using principles of geometry. Thus became the association of Mrs. Gardner with the beautiful Moravian Star. Ann Quay Gardner, 83, went to be with the Lord on February 12, 2016 after a brief illness. She passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by her loving family. Ann was born April 16, 1932 on a dairy farm in Harrisburg, NC, to the late Henry Corum Quay and late Margaret Harris Quay. She told stories about driving a double-clutch milk truck at age 12, playing piano at both church and school, and her happy time at Meredith College in Raleigh. After gaining experience as a mathematician at NACA (the forerunner to NASA), she spent most of her career teaching mathematics in various locations, lastly at Gate City High School. In "retirement," Ann and her husband Walter ran a real estate appraisal business, traveled extensively, and enjoyed their friends at both the Scott County Farm Bureau and Hiltons Memorial United Methodist Church. Ann liked cooking, gardening, canning vegetables, traveling, sewing, crafts, good tomato juice, and introducing her seven grandchildren to the joys of country living. Ann is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Walter Gardner; her sons Brian (Carol) Gardner of Evergreen, CO, and Craig (Alison) Gardner of Baton Rouge, LA; her daughter Amy (Neil) Griffin of Clemmons, NC; and her grandchildren Grant Gardner, Madison Gardner, Lexy Manley, Tyler Gardner, Maggie Gardner, Julia Griffin and Benjamin Griffin. Her great granddaughter Zoe will join the family next month. Also surviving are her sister Bonnie Howie of Harrisburg, NC and brother Henry Quay of Peachtree City, GA. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 pm on Saturday, February 20, at Scott County Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm with Pastor Mark Kilbourne officiating. Burial will follow at Holston View Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Hiltons Memorial United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 10, Hiltons, VA 24258) in appreciation of their love and support. The next time you see a Moravian star, we hope you think of Ann Quay Gardner and the light she brought to so many people.