Gayla obtained a degree in Fine Arts at Wilmington College where she met Bill, her husband of 60 years. She later earned her master’s degree in business management and served as the Treasurer of the Arizona Watercolor Association.
Wilmington College honored Gayla for her significant professional achievements as an AP art teacher and accomplished artist in watercolors and acrylics. She was passionate about art and was extremely gratified when her “non-academic” students flourished through their artistic creativity.
Gayla’s favorite vacation spots included the Hawaiian Islands and California vineyards, where she frequently vacationed with friends and family. She especially loved spending time at her family’s Prescott cabin where deer would often visit.
She was an avid shopper--always mindful of the latest fashions and best deals at her favorite stores—Lohman’s, Nordstroms, Chicos and J Jill.
Gayla was a member of a monthly book club, and enjoyed watching HGTV and Wheel of Fortune, which was her favorite show. She had a wry sense of humor, which was often captured in photographs with her family.
Gayla was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law Dwight Reese and sister Peggy Rudy. She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill, son Matt (Nancy), daughter Traci (Michael), sisters Sally Reese, Debby Mabry (Alan), Harriet May (Don), brother Doug Rudy (Jamie), grandsons Daniel (Alysha) and Christopher, and sister-in-law Marcia Winnett (Howard), and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 6th, at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, located at 2350 E. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ. 85022. Services will follow visitation at 11:00 a.m., with a reception at 12:00 p.m.
Gayla will be buried at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery on May 15th, at 10:30 a.m., where her husband Bill, a Brigadier General, will also be buried.
The family welcomes donations in Gayla’s name to the Arizona Watercolor Association as an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers.
AWA
PO Box 30693
Phoenix, AZ 85046
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6