Gayl Patricia Woitrya

Gayl Patricia Woityra, 92, of Maysville passed on to the world of spirit on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Hospice of Hope Care Center in Maysville, Kentucky.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 24, 1933, the only daughter of the late James and Donalda Penberthy. Her family lived in the time of the great depression and Gayl's memories from her early childhood were primarily living in grandparents' homes. She lived in Southfield Township, Michigan where she attended grade school and later graduated from Berkley High School as valedictorian of her class in 1951. Gayl met the love of her life, Jerry, and they were married by 1952, and he was drafted into the US Army a year later.

The two spent eight months in England and returned to Michigan where they were blessed with two wonderful sons, Michael and David. Gayl obtained her degree in English and taught Humanities at West Bloomfield High School for 19 years. After she and her husband both retired, they moved to sunshine and warmer weather in Tucson, Arizona. Gayl worked writing a column called "Book Talk" and recorded textbooks for the blind in her retirement. She also enjoyed leading her study club, "Wednesday Morning Spiritual Sisters", tutoring students, and knitted blankets for EMERGE, a domestic abuse crisis center in Tucson. She was a dedicated donor to many worthy organizations including National Parks, animal rescue groups, children's care, food banks, and many more. Gayl's unmatched empathy, deep affection for people, and strong desire to help will always be remembered.

Surviving are her two sons, Michael James (Diane) Woityra and David Jay (Kim) Woityra; six granddaughters, Dana Main, Deanne Hefner, Rachel Hogg, Lelia Lansky, Christine Michael, Michelle Deskins; twelve great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren, and several other extended family members and dear friends.

Funeral Arrangements are pending at this time. A memorial visitation and service will be held at Palmer Funeral Home in May's Lick, Kentucky. Please check back for dates and times.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Gayl's name to the Mason County Animal Shelter 301 River Drive, Maysville, KY 41056 or to the Mason County Food Pantry 1679 Forest Ave., Maysville, KY 41056.