LANCASTER, SC ~ Delaney Elizabeth Rose Gardner, age 23, passed away Friday, December 23, 2022. She was born March 22, 1999, in Pineville, NC, the daughter of Richard "Rick" Keith Gardner and Betsy Sims Gardner. Delaney was a graduate of Lancaster High School where she was a swimmer on the Lancaster Swim Team. She was very athletic, she enjoyed waterskiing, golfing, and spending time with her family. Delaney had a special love for all animals, especially her horse, Tumbleweed. She competed in Equestrian competitions with Tumbleweed. They certainly shared a special bond. Delaney loved Christmas; she enjoyed getting surprises. She loved children, loved being around them and connecting with them. Her family will always remember her as being very smart, funny, photogenic, and so loving. Delaney and her brother, Rick Jr., were very close and inseparable. They truly shared a special bond.

Delaney is survived by her father, Rick Gardner (Michelle); her mother, Betsy Gardner; her brother, Richard "Little Rick" K. Gardner Jr.; her stepbrother, Colton Crenshaw; and numerous special family, friends, and animals.

The Celebration of Life Service for Delaney will be 2:00 pm Saturday, December 31, 2022, at First United Methodist Church officiated by Pastor Neal Woods. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, one hour prior to the service in the church Parlor.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Lancaster SPCA of South Carolina, PO Box 3042, Lancaster, SC 29721.