Jean Gayer

Anita Jean Gayer passed away on March 28, 2014 in Spring Branch, Texas. She was born on August 27, 1926, in Lebanon, Indiana, the daughter of the late William Raymond Elsey and Ruth Marie (Sparks) Elsey. Jean was a resident of Lebanon for most of her life. Jean was in the Class of 1944 at Lebanon High School along with her future husband, Robert Lyle Gayer. Following high school, she attended both Franklin College and DePauw University, graduating from the latter in 1948. She also received a Masters of Education from Butler University in 1959. Jean was married in the First Baptist Church in Lebanon, Indiana, to Robert Lyle Gayer on May 29, 1949, with Ermin Poer officiating. For many years, she was a grade-school teacher in the Lebanon and Greenfield school districts. She retired from teaching in 1980. One year later, Jean helped to open an antiques business in Lebanon. Although the business closed in 1988, she and Bob continued to be active in the antiques business in central Indiana until the late 2000s. Jean was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who loved and thoroughly enjoyed her family. She took pleasure in a variety of activities, but camping and enjoying the outdoors creation were two of her favorites. She and Bob enjoyed camping and traveling for more than 50 years together. She also enjoyed playing golf, bicycling, fishing, and playing bridge, though she would not have claimed to be an expert in any of those fields. At 61 years old, she even convinced Bob to go backpacking in the mountains of Utah. Over the years, she was active in many service organizations in Lebanon, including the Jayshees, Psi Iota Xi, Zonta, and the Boone County Historical Society. Above all, Jean was a servant toward all that she met. She was a member of the Gadsden Church of Christ most of her life, and a member of the University Oaks Church of Christ in San Antonio after moving to Texas in 2012. Her church family and her service to God were always pre-eminent in her life. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lyle Gayer (2011), and her brother, William Keith Elsey (1981). She is survived by:Three sons:Mr. David W. Gayer – Salt Lake City, UtahMr. Mark E. Gayer and wife, Vivian – Indianapolis, IndianaMr. Stephen P. Gayer and wife, Diana – Spring Branch, Texas Three grandchildren:Stacey GayerPaul J. RobbinsAlison M. Gayer Four great-grandchildren:Katelyn GayerKarinna GayerMia K. RobbinsMacey A. Robbins Funeral Services are planned for Friday, April 4, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, in Lebanon, Indiana.Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at the funeral home in Lebanon.Interment will follow services at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon, Indiana. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Jean Gayer

March 31, 2014