When this beautiful lady was asked “how are you?”, she would always reply, “I’m dandy”. That was her nickname and she loved it. Sadly, we have lost our Dandy.

Gayle was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A safe space for her children and grandchildren – always there with the truth and a tissue in her pocket, a warm cup of tea or a cold beer. She was so loving and always willing to listen and offer advice to anyone who asked. Gayle cared about people and could often be found in her favorite seat at the bar helping some wayward soul realize their worth and value in this world. She had a way of making people feel loved and seen.

Her knack for interior design was truly a gift. Not only was every house she lived in a beautiful statement, but it was also cozy and loving; comfortable and constant – a home.

Gayle loved holidays and would find a way to celebrate them all. She especially loved Halloween. She’d go all out with costumes that were so good, no one could ever tell it was her. The look of surprise on their faces gave her such joy.

Gayle was an avid reader, so much so that the library never had enough books. Gayle loved all types of music, but Bob Seger was her favorite. You could always find her in the kitchen singing songs from old musicals that she loved and dancing. She liked to travel. She loved rainy days, trees, comfy socks, and flannel sheets. She liked her beer on ice and a good dive bar.

Gayle was strong, independent, self-sufficient and sassy. She had a sarcastic sense of humor and the best smile. She was her family’s guiding light, and she will be sorely missed.

Gayle was born June 29,1938. She grew up in Bellefontaine, Ohio with her parents Paul and Catherine Smith. She was a lifelong Ohio resident spending 29 years in Xenia, Ohio and eventually retiring to Logan, Ohio. Gayle passed away on January 20, 2025. She is survived by Lindsay Edwards, her loving husband of 45 years and her children Peri Koepnick, Tracy Prior, Richard West, Tiffni Henderson (Kevin), and Keira Mahar (Jason). She has nine grandchildren – Ashley Peer (Ben), Travis West, Oliver Prior (Jessi), Heather West, Piper Zdrodowski (Noah), Bailee Henderson, Colton Henderson, Millie Mahar and Ruthie Mahar; and seven great-grandchildren – Garrett Gold, Olivia West, Thomas Prior, Lillianna McMullin, Joseph Prior, Oden West, and Ronan West.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in Gayle’s honor.

Link to donate: Alzheimer’s Association

Services will be held when the flowers start to bloom in the Spring.