Debbie Gardner passed away in her sleep on June 22nd. after a seven year frightful yet brave battle with Alzheimer's. Mrs. Gardner loved the military, fire and police men. She will be laid to eternal rest at Olivewood Memorial Park in close proximity to Officer Doug Jacobs, who she did not know but mourned. Mrs. Gardner also loved the Anaheim Angels, music, Little House on the Prairie and babies. She had a compassion for the homeless and helped in the Fishes and Loaves ministry with her church, Riverside First Christian. Her love for our military was inspiring as she would always thank a vet for their service and staged her own support our troops rally in 2003. When she would see a veteran's car, she would stop and write a thank you note, this tradition is carried on by her husband and is encouraged because it is so important to let them know. For the past year she was introduced as the "Queen of Riverside" an introduction which brought joy and happiness to her. She was blessed to have been hugged by many of the students from California Baptist University and was featured in their latest Roundtable Magazine as "Our Biggest Fan". The biggest blessing from CBU was meeting Joanna Porraz, who provided care, love, and smiles over the past three years to the extent no one else could match. Mrs. Gardner also loved country music and dancing.She loved planes, air shows and laughing. Mrs. Gardner was a medical assistant before early onset Alzheimer's decreased her ability to work. She faced this disease with as much courage as a human could expect to have and when she was scared she found comfort in her husband's love. Born in Artesia, Ca to Dale and Wanda Lindley.Mrs. Gardner was involved in Rainbow where she became a Worthy Adviser, she was on the drill team Gahr High School where she graduated in 1973. In 1994, she met her current husband at a Lucky's market where he worked. Mrs. Gardner and her son moved to Riverside in 1996 where she fell in love with the charm of the city and it's Victorian homes. Mrs.Gardner worked as a medical assistant for COMP and in her spare time loved to garden. Mrs. Gardner was an active member of First Christian Church in Riverside. Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Care in Redlands, CA on Friday, June 27th from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 28th at 11:00am at First Christian Church in Riverside, CA. A private family interment will be held at Olivewood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org/renew, she would have like that. she is survived by her husband Rich Gardner, son Kevin Thompson, daughters Jennifer Shields and Shauna Pomerleau, her mother, two sisters and a brother and five grandchildren. Her smile and contagious laughter will be missed.