AVOCA - Mary Jean Wardell, age 86, of Avoca, passed away at home, with Tammy and Tracy by her side to comfort her, on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014. Mary Jean was born on Aug. 15, 1928, in Lone Rock, the first child of Dan and Minnie (Gumz) Franklin.
Mary Jean graduated from Avoca High School in 1946. She was united in marriage on July 9, 1951, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, to Kenneth L. Wardell. They lived in Monona for 31 years until their retirement. Mary Jean worked at East Madison Clinic as a records clerk and also a receptionist until her retirement when the couple moved to Avoca. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and reading. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Mary Jean was a very beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt.
Mary Jean is survived by her two sons, Terry (Melita) Wardell of Snellville, Ga., and Tracy Wardell of Avoca; daughter, Tammy (Mike) Zindrick of Black River Falls; grandchildren, Matt (Jessica) Wardell of Dallas, Ga., Kyle Plath of Palmetto, Fla., Zach Wardell of Snellville, Ga., Daniel Wardell of Snellville, Ga., and Ashley Gardham of Madison; great-grandchildren, Lucy Jean Wardell and Leah Belle Wardell of Dallas, Ga.; brothers, Bud (Donna) Franklin of Avoca, John (Mary) Franklin of Monona, Dan (Cindy) Franklin of Verona, Don Franklin of Stoughton, and Ron (Connie) Franklin of Prairie du Chien; sisters, Norma Fleming of Avoca, Betty Pechan of Verona, and Carol Wardell of Avoca; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack (Mary Kay) Wardell of Monona, Evelyn Wardell of Avoca, Shirley Wardell of Avoca, Bobby Daugherty of Avoca, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken; and sister, Sandy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Joni's Food and Spirits in Avoca. The family suggests memorials in Mary Jean's name be directed to Home Health United Hospice of Madison or a charity of your choice in her name. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
