Gay was born in Tuscarawas County on August 16, 1935, and was preceded in death by her father, Philip Paul Johns, who died in 1983, and Virginia M. Anthony Johns, who died in 1992.
She was a graduate of Newcomerstown High School, class of 1953. Gay was an Air Force veteran, serving a tour of duty at Roslyn AFB, New York, with the 26th Air Division. She returned to civilian life and was employed in the assembly and shipping departments of the former NCR Company, Cambridge, for over 25 years before its closing. She was a member of the Thomas Montgomery Post # 431, Newcomerstown American Legion and a former member of the Women of the Moose, Chapter # 0029, Newcomerstown. Gay enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and watching their sporting events, playing BINGO, bowling, and playing cards.
In addition to her parents, Gay was preceded in death by her husband, Robert R. Marker, Newcomerstown, who died on October 25, 1977, and whom she married December 2, 1955. Also deceased are a son, Phillip Marker, brothers Stanley L. Johns, Bruce Johns, and Robert P. Johns, all of Newcomerstown, sisters Patti Watson and GloDean Cole, both of Newcomerstown, brother-in-law William Smith, Newcomerstown, and sister-in-law Gertrud Johns, Newcomerstown.
Gay is survived by two daughters and a son, Vicki S. Marker, New Philadelphia, Tonya R. & husband Dave Thomas, Dover, and Robert A. and wife Kelly J. Marker, Dayton. She also leaves six grandchildren: Rylan Marker, Robbie Marker, and Cole Miller, all of Dayton, Justin Thomas and David Thomas, both of Dover, and Alexandra Miller, Coshocton. Also surviving are a great grandson, Cylus Miller, Dayton, three sisters, Mona Smith and Rhonda L. & husband Richard Miller, all of Newcomerstown, Debra C. & husband Richard Bell, Coshocton, a brother, Randy T. & wife Ellen Johns, Port Charlotte, Florida, brother-in-law Denver Watson, Newcomerstown, sister-in-law Marilyn Johns, Newcomerstown, and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Funeral services to celebrate Gay’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2:00 PM, in the Ourant Funeral Home. Pastor Kenneth G. Hacker of St. Paul LutheranChurch, Newcomerstown, will conduct the services. Burial will follow at the Salem-Union Cemetery, Port Washington, where the Newcomerstown Veterans’ Honor Guard will conduct military grave side services. Visiting hours will also be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, beginning at Noon until the 2:00 PM funeral. The family is requesting that memorials be made in Gay’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1550 Old Henderson Rd., Suite N-160, Columbus 43220.
Ourant Funeral Home
Newcomerstown
Newcomerstown
