W. Gayle O'Neal

W. Gayle O’Neal, 85, of Connersville received her wings early Monday morning, June 24, 2024. Gayle was born on March 8, 1939 to Elbert and Anita Fox Huffman in Henry County, Indiana. She attended Sulphur Springs High School, where she was the captain of the cheer squad. Following her High School graduation in 1957, Gayle continued her education at Butler University School of Music. She married the love of her life, Gary O’Neal on July 31, 1960. Catering to her love for music, Gayle taught piano for almost thirty years. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church and belonged to a number of sororities in the area. In addition, Gayle was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Brownie Leader, and was on the PTO at Grandview Elementary where she was heavily involved in the festivals and activities. Gayle was an avid sports fan. She enjoyed listening the Spartans, the Reds and most importantly, her grandchildren’s ball games from the front row. She was a keen reader, and when her eye sight started to dwindle, she took to audio books. She received several certificates for the numerous audio books she “read” with her book club. Gayle and Gary enjoyed traveling and spending their winters together in Orange Beach, Alabama. Gayle was an empathetic listener and an outstanding wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Her strength and guidance will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her husband of sixty-four years: Gary, Gayle is survived by her children and their spouses: Greg O’Neal, Grant and Melissa O’Neal, Gina and Patrick Chaney; brothers: Phillip and Shirley Huffman, Ty and Janet Huffman; grandchildren: Jacob, Dane, Willie, Nolan, Hank, and Samantha; great-grandchildren: Riley, Christopher; several nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents: Elbert and Anita; grandson: Tyler; granddaughter: Teegan. The Order of The Eastern Star will conduct final rites for Gayle at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024 at Showalter Blackwell Long, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with the funeral service to follow officiated by Bob Poffenbarger. She will be laid to rest at Dale Cemetery, section J. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m., until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Connersville.