Joan Gray Gayer, 83, of Olney, went to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Mo.  Funeral services at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney with Dr. Berton Heleine officiating. Burial with entombment in Star of Hope Mausoleum at Crest Haven Memorial Park.

Mrs. Gayer was born October 20, 1930, in Richland County, the daughter of Robert Ashley and Maud Barker Gray. She married Donald L. Gayer on August 22, 1950, in Olney.

She dedicated her life to loving and nurturing her husband, nine children, grandchildren and entire family. She loved gardening and was a talented seamstress. Her zest for life and humor will be remembered by all who knew her. She was a member of Cornerstone Community Church in Noble.

Joan is survived by her husband, Donald Gray, of Olney; daughter, Tanya Glenda (Joe) Gemma, of Boonville, Mo; son, Dennis (Deb) Gayer, of Columbia, Mo.; daughters, Trish Gayer and Lisa (Ken) Thompson, both of Columbia, Mo.; sons, Daryl Gayer and friend, Ronna Stucker, and Donald P. Gayer, both of Olney; sons, Robert, Kenneth and Scott Gayer, all of Phoenix, Ariz.; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Corenne (Charles) Black and Freda (John) Nix, and brothers, Dale (Marie) Gray and Bill Gray.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)