Obituary

Gayle Gotts Obituary

In Loving Memory of Gayle Gotts

June 28, 1943 – December 23, 2024

Gayle Gotts, 81, of East Jordan, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility surrounded by family. A beautiful mother, wife, grandmother, educator, and active community member, Gayle's life was defined by her unwavering devotion to her family, her passion for education, and her deep commitment to her faith and community.

    Born on June 28, 1943, Gayle was the Salutatorian of her graduating class at Alliance High School in Alliance, Ohio. She went on to earn a degree in Education from Otterbein College in Ohio, where she began her lifelong passion for teaching. Over the course of 22 years, Gayle dedicated herself to special education at East Jordan Schools, where her creativity and innovation made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students. Her commitment to her work was recognized with the Outstanding Person in Education (OPIE) award, an honor given for her extraordinary influence in fostering a positive learning environment. The team of teachers Gayle worked with brought her great joy.

    Gayle was also involved in the East Jordan community. She was an active member of the East Jordan First Presbyterian Church, where she contributed to many activities, including the Live Nativity and Advent Sundays, and served on the church's session. She assisted in multiple mission driven efforts in hopes of bringing joy to others. Her involvement extended to numerous local organizations, including the Red Hatters, Garden Club, and Bridge Club. Gayle's friendships, kindness, and sense of humor made her a treasured companion to many.

    Gayle was married to her husband, Cal, for 54 years, and together they raised four children: Bob (Tammy) Gotts (Fountain Inn, South Carolina), Bill (Melissa) Gotts (Hudson, Ohio), Rick (Rebecca) Gotts (East Jordan, Michigan), and Beth (Jim) Lord (Delton, Michigan). She was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren: Wessley, Drew, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Wyatt, Wade, Roen, Ben, Wren, and Chase, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

    In addition to her family and teaching career, Gayle's warmth, generosity, and devotion to others made her a beloved friend, mentor, and confidante. She will be remembered for her ability to encourage and support others. One of Gayle’s favorite pastimes was taking evening drives in the country looking for whitetail deer. She loved lemon meringue pie, peppermint patties and Kahlua with coffee. 

    A celebration of Gayle's life will be held on her birthday, June 28, 2025, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 P.M. at The Boathouse on Lake Charlevoix in East Jordan, Michigan.

    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gayle's memory to the East Jordan First Presbyterian Church (www.ejpresbyterian.com) or Grandvue Medical Care Facility Alzheimer’s Unit (www.grandvue.org).