Terri Ann (Marshall) Gard was a well-loved Parkersburg native who devoted her life to her family and faith. She enjoyed traveling, going to the beach, volunteering, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Gard retired as an Autism Mentor after working at Wood County Schools for more than fifteen years. She brought to her role at the school many life experiences that helped her to connect and to communicate with her students. Her patience and understanding made her not only a wonderful mother, but an exceptional mentor for youth with autism spectrum disorders.

Terri Ann Gard passed away on May 27, 2019 following a courageous battle with cancer. To honor Gard, her family established the Autism Whispers Fund in Memory of Terri Ann (Marshall) Gard at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) to forever provide financial assistance to programs supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders in the Foundation's service area, including programs within the Wood County School system.

"If everyone whose life Terri Ann Gard impacted would make a gift to her memorial fund, it would swiftly reach the point where it could begin making an annual award in her honor for a cause that she deeply cared about," said PACF's Development and Communications Officer, Julie Posey.

The fund created by Terri's husband of more than forty-five years, Tim, and their children, Austin, Lance, and Sierra, is designed to continue her caring legacy and to honor her dedicated service to area youth with autism spectrum disorders.

Individuals who would like to make a tax-deductible donation to support this new fund are encouraged to send a check made payable to the PACF with "Autism Whispers" on the memo line to: PACF, PO Box 1762, Parkersburg, WV 26102. Donations may also be made online. Individuals wishing to learn more about this fund can call the Foundation at 304.428.4438.