Lois W. Gaynor, 94


Lois Wandless Gaynor, 94, died Oct. 1, 2010, at Sunnyside Retirement Community after battling Alzheimer's disease for 10 years. She was born in Bath County, Va., on Dec. 23, 1915, to the late Rohe Ellis and Lovenia (Shoemaker) Wandless.

She is preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, her husband of 55 years, Woodrow Wilson Gaynor, and a daughter, Mary Jo Dever. She is survived by a daughter, Betty Jane Knighton.

Mrs. Gaynor graduated from Madison College with a bachelor's degree and later a master's degree. She worked for the Rockingham County School System for 24 years, six years as a teacher and 18 years as a guidance counselor at Elkton High School and then Massanutten Vocational Center.

Her hobbies were oil painting, reading and cooking. She was an exceptional wife and mother; she was the pride of her family. Lois was devoted to her church, the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Elkton, where she had been a member since 1937. Her service to the church and the friendships she made there were of paramount, loving interest to her. She was a loving and lovely lady for many years.

Visitors will be received by Lois' daughter, Betty Jane, from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010, at the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton. A private service has been held. There will be no funeral or memorial service.

In lieu of flowers or food, those wishing may make a donation to the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 513 East Spotswood Ave., Elkton, VA 22827, or to the Alzheimer's Association, 2040 Deyerle Ave., Suite 102, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.kygers.com.

Arrangements entrusted to the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton.