April 18, 1972

"Five students training for officer school, drill at the Indio High School campus. Here OCS candidate Gayla Schultz, puts Rudy Hernandez, left, Jim Simmons, Roy Lagpacan and Henry Matat through their paces. The students undergo six weeks of training. If successful, they will become second lieutenants in the California Cadet Corps. There are 15 candidates for OCS school at Indio High"

Gayla worked as a police dispatcher for many years before medically retiring.

Gayla loved her family, especially Mike and the kids. Even when she sick, you could tell she loved them. 

Gayla also loved her animals. Whether the were the cats, birds or giant geckos, she would go out of her way for them.

I will truly miss talking with her. She had a uncanny way of being cheerful that could brighten your day up. 

Our deepest condolences to Mike, Robert, Maria and Troy. 

We'll love and miss you sis. Say hi to mom and family.

Love,

Your little bro.

Gayla and Kathy together again. Growing up, where you found one, you found the other. I'm sure they're sitting somewhere just talking and laughing away. Teeheehee 

Gayla was always proud of her time in the Cadet Corps. I remember her in the Pageant of Flags at the Date Festival. 

There was one thing about Gayla, her smile could light up a room.

As usual,  where you found Gayla, Kathy was right beside her.

Dear Mike and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Gaylas passing,  your whole family has given me much joy and memories of your visits to the barbershop, I hope this finds Mike well. My spirit is with you  all ,as I can't be there, my husband is doing bad health wise. Prayers continuing 🙏 ❤️ . Much love and respect, your old barber, Suzy (and Mike) Phelps.

Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mom and Grandma.  What a Great description of a beautiful lady. My Sister, my heart.  My days will be empty, no silly texts or phone calls and no sharing pictures of whose cat did what today. Our Warrior has gained her wings, you are free of the pain and holding court with all those we love who have gone ahead. I will miss you every single day until we can be together.  Thank you for giving us the Nava family to love. Mike, Robert, Maria (Troy, Cody and Shannel and Family. To the extended Nava Family thank you for loving her. 

Gayla was very loving, caring , and understanding person. She loved her grandkids and would do anything for them. She was very knowledgeable if you wanted to know anything she would be the person to go to on almost anything. She excepted my siblings and I as her own and I will never forget her for that and also excepting my real mother as a friend. So I got to enjoy two mothers that were best friends and now she is with her best friend again as two mothers together looking over us. I love you so much and you will be deeply missed. 

Gayla was one of the most caring and generous people I've ever known. she was really there for me when my mother passed away. I will never forget when I had my son a huge part of me was so sad because my mother wasn’t there to witness my creation but Gayla was there and I will never forget the tears of joy she shed when she held my son for the first time. Always treated me like her own even as a little girl she always made me feel so loved. I will miss her so very much. Gone but never forgotten I love you aunt Gayla!! Rest in paradise sweet woman. 

Gayla was a BIG Star Trek nerd! Every year, she would coordinate with her best friend, Amy Marzec, and they would attend a multi-day Star Trek convention. One year, they both dressed up as Romulans and were featured in an article in the Press-Enterprise (I have the newspaper clipping).

When she returned home, she shared stories, photos, and souvenirs. Although I never got to go (I really wish I did—I'm a Star Trek nerd, too), I loved hearing about how much fun they had, the friends that they made, and the celebrities they saw.

My Dad & Gayla both strongly believed in taking family vacations and making memories.

Our typical vacation trip usually included visiting Monterey Bay, the Monterey Aquarium, and driving down California Highway 1. We would stop periodically to explore the shore, see (and sometimes feed) the wildlife, and take in the gorgeous vistas.

Gayla was always fond of animals, especially cats. She not only cared for our indoor cats, whom she regarded as family, but she also cared for strays that wandered into our backyard.

They would be fed and watered daily, and she would enjoy spending time bonding with them. In the summer, she would hose down the patio to help keep the cats cool. In the winter, she would provide shelter and blankets. Not stray cat ever went unfed or unloved.

The cats continue to be cared for despite her absence.

In the early 2000's, Gayla and I had annual passes to Disneyland (when they were reasonably priced). About once a month, she and I would go down to the park and spend an afternoon together. During one trip, she decided to have some extra fun by having her face painted.

Those were special days that I cherish highly.

Gayla was always curious. I had bought some Diet Coke and Mentos to have some fun with my nephews. We were dropping Mentos into bottles of Diet Coke to watch how they interact.

Gayla came outside, and we convinced her to try one herself. She was hilariously caught off-guard when those breath mints created an explosive reaction, shooting fizz and foam toward her face.

This is both one of my favorite photos and memories. I was lucky to catch a photo of it.

My heartfelt condolences to Mike and the kids.  Gayla’s Mom Jan Gregory was my sister, Gayla my niece.  She fought a hard fight and has been rewarded with her heavenly wings and reunion with her Mom. 

OBITUARY

Gayla Sue Nava

June 6, 1961 – March 5, 2023

Miller Jones Menifee Memorial Park & Mortuary

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