Annette Shirley Gardner Ayers of Dodge City, Kansas, formerly of Lansing, Illinois passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, in Colorado Springs with her beloved, devoted husband, Jeff Ayers, at her side. She was born in 1965 to Keith and Elaine Gardner, Sr. Annette was the youngest of eleven. Annette was Stepmother to Dan (Safae) Ayers and the Godmother to nephews James and Thomas Gardner

Annette was beautiful, smart, kind, loving, fun, funny, creative, entertaining, resourceful, caring, clever, loved by many, and will be truly missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Annette completed her education at South Suburban College (1992), where she was recognized as the President's Scholar for High Academic Achievement. She went on to become a Registered Nurse and held the positions of a MedSurg and a Pediatric ICU Nurse.

Annette moved to Kansas where she met her husband, Jeff Ayers. He sang Longfellow Serenade at karaoke and won her heart. Annette and Jeff were parents to puppies: Carson, Dakota, and Blue.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents: Keith Gardner, Sr.; Shirley Gardner Smith; and brothers: Mark Gardner and Bradley Gardner; and her in-laws: Jack and Marilyn Ayers.

Annette was the beloved sister of Keith (late Wanda) Gardner; Vance (Yvonne) Gardner; Barbara Burgess; Brenda (Harry) Dohman; Perry Gardner; George (Wanda) Gardner; Late Mark (Bambi Breitzke) Gardner; Marie (Billy Waz) Wasyliw; and Nancy (Dan) Brunetti. Annette was sister-in-law to Richard (Deb) Ayers; Roger (Debbie) Ayers; Tom (Bea) Ayers; Beth (Scott) Reige, and Dianne (Brett) Flamm. Annette was the beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Visitation at Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, IL is Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Memorial Service from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at Schroeder-Lauer.

Graveside Burial and Prayers on Monday, February 17 at 11:00 AM. Family to meet at Memory Lane Memorial Park Cemetery in Schererville, Indiana. Officiating Clergy: Reverend G. Morris K. Jarkloh; Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church of Lansing, IL.