Denise Gardner

Denise Kay (Bunker) Gardner, beloved wife, daughter, and sister, at age 79 passed away on January 16, 2026 at Silverado Escondido. She was born on March 4, 1946 in Junction City, KS as the first child of Dr L.P. and Lee Bunker.

In her senior year of high school, the family moved to Manhattan, KS. After graduating from Junction City High School in 1964, Denise continued her education at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS where she studied to become an x-ray technologist. She loved working in all aspects of radiology, especially in women’s medicine.

Denise was an accomplished pianist and even played the organ for services at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Junction City. Her faith was a constant and she was always active in the church wherever she lived. Generosity was the epitomy of Denise’s life. Everyone benefitted from her love of giving.

In July of 1983 Denise was married to Ralph Gardner of Calgary, Canada, whom she met when she was vacationing in Hawaii. They settled in San Clemente, CA. Although they didn’t have children together, she was an amazing aunt for all her siblings’ children. She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years.

Denise is survived by 4 siblings. Craig Bunker and wife Louise reside in Scottsdale, AZ. They have 3 sons, Jay, Michael, and Mark Bunker and 2 grandchildren. Linda (Bunker) DeJong and husband Ron (LTC, RET) reside in Huntsville, AL. They have 2 sons, Kevin and Chris Brighton and 4 grandchildren. Russell Bunker and wife Joni reside in Manhattan, KS. They have 4 children, Aaron and Derek Bunker, Braedyn Woborny and Blake (Woborny) Hardeman and 2 grandchildren. Scott Bunker and wife Mary reside in Mesa, AZ. They have 3 sons, Jeffrey, Ryan, and Kyle Bunker and 1 grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Denise's name to First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, KS.