Etta "Kay" Gifford

Etta Kay Mayerle Gifford, 86, went to be with Jesus on December 17,2024, after a brief illness.

Kay (she never cared for the name Etta) was born in in Pitcher, N.Y., on July 15,1938 to John S. and Minnie (Perry) Mayerle.    When she was two years old her mother passed, and she was sent to live with Reverend David and Adah Buchanan who raised her. 

She met the love of her life, Herman A. Gifford in church when they were 14 and 12 years old.  They were married on August 6,1960 at the Maple Flats Baptist church in Maple Flats, N.Y.  They were married for 64 years but together for a total of 73 years.  They started their marriage on the Gifford Farm in Westdale, N.Y.  In 1972 they moved to Camden, N.Y. and resided there until 2015 when they moved to Wichita Falls T.X.

Kay received her LPN license in June of 1959 and worked as a nurse for many years. After the move to Camden, she worked as a cafeteria lady, kindergarten aide and a certified substitute teacher for Camden Central Schools. 

Kay was a woman of deep faith who loved God with all her heart. Through the years she filled many positions at many churches. She was active in the women’s bible study and Glory Choir at First Baptist church. She also volunteered at the church library.

Kay was a fierce competitor in Skip Bo, dominoes (chicken foot) and many other games. She had a great sense of humor and could be a little sassy at times. She was an avid crafter who exceled at scrapbooking, quilting, sewing and crocheting. She sewed beautiful clothes for her family for many years. She wrote in a journal from the time she was young and kept meticulous records of every cross-country trip to visit her children. She loved covered bridges and made multiple trips to find and photograph them. She collected skunks and hundreds of books.

She leaves behind a lasting mark on all family and friends who were blessed to be loved by her.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings. 

Kay  is survived by her husband Herman A. Gifford ; her children Kathleen Gifford(Kathy Savage), Steven Gifford(Renee),Rebecca Rash(Keith),David Gifford(Jeannette),John Gifford (Tracey), 29 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on February 15, 2025 at the Wichita Falls First Baptist Church beginning at 3 p.m. Friends and family are invited to join us as we celebrate her legacy. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wichita Falls Meals on Wheels 1000 Burnett St, Wichita Falls, TX 76301 or Angel Care  1908 Elmwood Ave N Suite 101, Wichita Falls, TX 76308.