Crista Pritchard Gardner

Crista passed away peacefully at her home with her husband Mark at her side on September 5, 2024, at the age of 70. Crista was the daughter of John and Jimmie Pritchard of Charlotte, North Carolina. Crista graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was chosen to become an educator as part of the horses and equitation program at Meredith College. After the riding program ended, she continued her equestrian career teaching her students dressage and raising and training thoroughbred horses. She was a skilled dressage and combined training equestrian and accomplished three-day event rider. Crista served a five year term as a North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine board member. Crista is survived by her husband Mark Gardner of Raleigh, NC, sister Dell Laney of Huntersville, NC, sister Meg K. Bell and her husband Walter of Monroe, NC, brother John Pritchard Jr. and Robin of Charlotte, NC, brother-in-law Matthew Gardner of Raleigh, NC, sister-in-law Lisa G. Maune and her husband Nathan of Raleigh, NC, dear nephews and special friends considered family around the country. The family plansto hold a private memorial service and suggests donations be made to any deserving church charitable organization in her name.