GAYLE LOREE VINCENT SMRIGA

Gayle was born March 21, 1940, to Lloyd A. W. and Lela Mae Miller-Vincent in the Newman Memorial Hospital at Shattuck, OK. She lived and grew up in Arnett, Ok, graduating from high school in 1958.

She earned a bachelor's degree in business education at Phillips Univ. in Enid, OK, and also completed her master's degree in education from Ball State in Muncie IN. In 1962, she married Duane Gibbs of Rush Springs, OK. Gayle and Duane moved to Muncie, IN, where a daughter, Ginny Gay, was born in 1964. In 1967, Gayle married Michael Smriga, and a son, Chad Armand, was born in 1973. Gayle taught 4th grade in Indiana for 32 years, and was teacher of the year in 1990. She had many talents as a child, participating in ballet and tap. Music was also a big part of her life. She sang in choral groups and in a trio during high school, and was also the drum major and played the saxophone for the Arnett High School band.. She was active in 4-H club and made many of her own clothes—winning awards in Oklahoma and Indiana State Fairs. In later years, quilting was an avid hobby. She also took great pride in making banners and playing the organ and piano in Indiana and Oklahoma for different churches.

She was preceded in death by her father Lloyd Vincent, sister Ann Word, and sister-in-law Emily Vincent. She is survived by her mother Lela Vincent, Oklahoma City; a daughter Ginny Giambrone, and her children Jenna and Sam, Rochester, NY; a son Chad Smriga, Phoenix, AZ; a brother Don Vincent, Oklahoma City, a sister Virginia Rich, Albuquerque, NM; and numerous other friends and relatives. Those who wish to make a memorial gift may do so in her name to Arnett First Christian Church, Arnett, OK, 73832.