Gayla Ruth (Harper) Truex of Middle Island Creek Road, St. Marys, W.Va., passed away at her home on Thursday, September 18, 2012. She was born on Broad Run in Pleasants County, WV on April 19, 1928, daughter of the late Fred L. and Verna L. Carmichael Harper.

Gayla is survived by her husband of 66 years, Delno Dean Truex. She and Delno began their life together on April 8, 1946, in Catlettsburg, Kentucky at the First Christian Church.

They were blessed with four children, Teresa (Truex) Craig and husband Henry of St. Marys, W.Va., Cheryl (Truex) Carpenter and husband Spence of Racine, Ohio, Michael D. Truex and wife Phoebe of Torrance, Ca., and Malinda (Truex) Bussey and husband Brad of St. Marys, W.Va.

Gayla loved her twelve grandchildren, Chad Craig, Beckie Barton and husband Butch, Michael Amos, John Amos and wife Courtney, Elizabeth “Annie” LaMasters and husband Steve, James Carpenter and wife Christy, Jenny Harman and husband James, Jason Carpenter, Micah Truex, Amie Phillips Pablo and husband Gregory, Brooks Ludwig and Corbin Bussey. Gayla was also blessed with 19 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Gayla shared an enduring love with her sister, Dortha (Dotte) White of St. Marys, W.Va. Gayla was an inspiration to her seven nieces and nephews, Judy (How) Calvert, Steve How, Scott Harper, Rob Harper, Bruce White, Fred White and Max White. Special care and love was given by our extended family, Yolanda Garcia, Maggie Templeton, Darlena Boley, Kayla Kiggins, Taci Carpenter, Susie Maston, Lisa Beaty, Carol Davis, Linda Moore, and Sharon Taylor.

She was a graduate of St. Marys High School class of 1946, always the proud cheerleader her classmates knew her as “Mom” and also nominated her for Alumnus of the Year. Gayla was active in her community; she organized the first Girl Scouts Day Camp Program, and was a 4-H Leader and Camp Coordinator in Pleasants County. She was employed by Gerber’s Grocery, Shouldis Department Store, provided care for the many residents of Colin Anderson Center and was a “professional pie-baker” at the T-Bone restaurant in St. Marys. Gayla had a loving devotion to her “family farm” and took pride in maintaining the home and land, which enabled Delno to work away as needed. She was a devout Christian and member of the George Street Church of Christ, and was honored to carry in a home baked pie for whatever the occasion required. Gayla’s faith will enable her to be welcomed home by her family, Etta “Betty” (Harper) How, Robert Harper and their parents Fred and Verna.

Friends and family may gather from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Thursday, September 19, 2012, at Ingram Funeral Home in St.Marys, W.Va. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2012, at the George Street Church of Christ with an hour of fellowship preceding. Gayla will be laid to rest on the “family farm” on Middle Island Creek Road following the service.

The women of the George Street Church of Christ will graciously provide a reception for family and close friends in the Fellowship Hall preceding the graveside service.

An on-line guest register is available at www.ingramfh.com.