Billie Jean (Duke) Gardner

     Ms. Billie Jean Duke-Gardner, age 40, of Rhodelia, KY, passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2021 in Battletown, KY.  Billie Jean loved being on the Ohio River boating, rock hunting and bow fishing.

     Billie Jean was preceded in death by her brother, T.C. Duke; her longtime companion who passed with her, Kevin Wardrip; her paternal grandparents, Russell and Catherine Duke; James F. Smith; and her maternal grandmother, Carol Shelton.  She is survived by her father and step mother, Timmy and Patty Smith Duke, Rhodelia, KY; her mother and step father, Pam and Tim Kolacz, Vine Grove, KY; her former spouse, Neal A. Gardner, Jr., Henryville, IN; two sisters, Jenna Duke, Rhodelia, KY, Tasha Tucker, Battletown, KY; her brother, Tray Straney, Vine Grove, KY; her maternal grandfather, Leslie Shelton, Vine Grove, KY; her paternal grandmother, Christie Smith, Brandenburg, KY; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

     Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 PM on Monday, August 9, 2021, at the chapel of the Hager Funeral Home, with Rev. Tom Bridge officiating.  Burial will follow in Parr-Frans Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:00 AM until the time of service on Monday.  Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Kentucky Human Society.

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