Charlotte Maxine Gardner McConnell

Charlotte Maxine Gardner McConnell, 93, of Springdale, Arkansas passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, March 15th, 2024. She was born in Hamburg, Iowa to Hershel and Fannie (Morgan) Douglas. Charlotte met and married her US WWII Veteran and Purple Heart Honoree, Staff Sergeant Ambrose Elson Gardner who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her second husband, Andrew George “Mac” McConnell, Jr. who was a US Veteran both in the Navy and Air Force, as well as the National Park Service; her infant daughter, Sheila and son, US Air Force Veteran, Joe Elson Gardner. Charlotte is survived by her son, Jeff [Mary] Gardner, Rogers AR; daughter, Nancy K Hensley, Tracy CA; granddaughter, Genifer [Brandon] Carmean, Tontitown AR; grandson, Nicholas [Kay] Hensley, Ypsilanti MI; six great grandchildren: Brayden Carmean, Tontitown AR; Dylan [Kait] Walters of Siloam Springs AR; Madelynn Slyter, Adrianna Carmean, Heaven Carmean and Corbin Carmean of Tontitown AR; two bonus grandchildren, Kaci [Jason] Johnson, Summers AR and Floyd Reed III, Rogers AR; bonus great grandchildren, Lane Allen, Siloam Springs AR; Terra Allen, Van Buren AR; Braeli Allen, Mountainburg AR and Ryker Reed, Rogers AR.

Charlotte was born in Hamburg and grew up on a farm. They were well known in this small farm town, her husband was a contractor and they were active in the Methodist Church. All of her children were born in Hamburg but after the tragic loss of their eldest son, Joe, they decided to move. They moved to Cotter AR where Charlotte worked in Mountain Home in Hospital Admissions. Friends from Hamburg had moved to Springdale where a home next door was unfinished. Charlotte and her husband purchased and finished building that home with the anticipation of it becoming their retirement home. She was very proud of “Bud” building this home for her. They had the unique opportunity to manage apartments in Sunnyvale, California for some time. When her husband became terminally ill they moved to that retirement home in Springdale where she lived the rest of her life. After losing her first husband, Charlotte was very active at the Springdale Senior Center eating with many friends and enjoying card games. When she and “Mac” married they purchased a camper and had such fun traveling to various RV parks going as far as California to visit Nancy and Nick. Charlotte loved to cook and explore new recipes. For the last 14 years she cooked and enjoyed Thursday lunch with her son, Jeff. Also, being reunited with her grandson after many years, she enjoyed their weekly hour long phone calls. Charlotte was particularly fond of her constant feline companion, Sweetie. She enjoyed traveling back to Hamburg for annual family reunions staying in the home of Jim and Sue Lucas. Charlotte never missed holiday meals with family enjoying Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas banquets and her special Corned Beef, cabbage and carrots for St. Patrick’s Day. She was fascinated with her Irish roots having the maiden name of Douglas and enjoyed its history, beautiful landscape and traditions. Her favorite color was green. In her recent past she was appreciative of all doctors, nurses and staff making friends and sharing chocolate treats.

Charlotte will be missed by family and friends.

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