March 9, 1937 - January 28, 2021
Gayle Rown Rodgers, 83, passed away Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at her beloved home - Plum Bottom Farm, Belleville, PA. Gayle was born on March 9, 1937, to the late Frank John and Audean Randolph Rown, at their residence on Logan St., in Reedsville. She was the youngest of two children, preceded in death by her brother Richard Max Rown (Ruth). On May 26, 1956, Gayle was married to John Reed Rodgers of Belleville and they had five children, and eleven grandchildren. John and Gayle’s children are: Audrey Gay Rodgers, Belleville, Rhoda Joy Rodgers-Mernin (Keith), Belleville, children (Jessamine and Jack) John Reed Rodgers Jr. (Colleen), St. College, children (Alexandria Winship, Jacquelyn, Samuel, Jillian, and Kaitrin) James Richard Rodgers, (CeCe), Lyndhurst, VA., children (Luke, Abigayle, and Mark) and David Alexander Rodgers, Port Matilda, child (Bentley). GG, as she was affectionately known to her family, also enjoyed three great granddaughters, Reagan, Addison and Hayden Winship.
A 1955 graduate of Armaugh Brown High School, Gayle also attended South Hills Business School in the late 1970’s, as one of the school’s first attendees. She carried many HS friendships with her, for the entirety of her life, and often talked about being a catcher on the Armaugh Brown softball team.
In 1985, in addition to raising her family- including ballgames, 4H horse shows, school plays and band practices- and being closely involved with a family business, Dairyland, Gayle embarked on the second passion of her life- antiques. For 25 years, she served as the owner and operator of the Dairyland Antique Center, where she allowed her entrepreneurial spirit to flourish. Gayle made countless friends in and throughout the central Pennsylvania antique industry and was loved by many and respected by all.
Gayle attended and was an active member of Lewistown’s Calvary Bible Church since 1970. Her love and devotion to others was commonplace and her Christian faith was meaningful and shared with others. Throughout Gayle’s life, she carried a sense of adventure in all her experiences, cherishing the moments she could travel with her husband, family (especially her grandchildren) and friends.
Gayle lived life to the fullest and will be immensely missed by her family and friends. A private, family graveside service will be at the East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of choice in Gayle’s honor, or Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan Purse and/or The American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are under the care of Henderson Funeral Home, Belleville. Online condolences may be offered at www.hendersonfuneralhomes.net.