Vickey G. Wood

Vickey Arlene Gutshall Wood, 73, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville.

She was born on May 13, 1952, in Staunton, to the late Grant Eugene and Lillian Margaret Kelly Gutshall.

Vickey was a proud graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton. Upon graduating, she attended Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave.

She was an active member at Olivet Presbyterian Church in Staunton.

For over forty years, Vickey made significant contributions as a certified medical transcriptionist. She began her career in February of 1975 at King’s Daughters Hospital in Staunton and later moved to Augusta Health in Fishersville, where she retired in May of 2018.

She found delight in the quirky charm of pink flamingos and took great pleasure in exploring the world as an avid traveler. Her journeys took her across the globe, visiting beautiful destinations such as the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Alaska, Iceland, South Africa, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Mexico, and the Netherlands. Above all, she cherished taking cruises with her friends, spoiling her grandchildren, and grand puppies.

In addition to her travels, Vickey was a dedicated member of the Mt. Sidney Ruritan Club and the Staunton Venture Club, where her enthusiasm for life and connection to others shone through. Her creative spirit was evident in her love for arts and crafts, and she found fulfillment in planting flowers and working with her hands.

She is survived by her son, David Franklin Gayhart and his wife, Dawn Marie; her grandchildren, Matthew G. and Lillian E. Gayhart; her sisters, including her twin, Carolyn Jeanne Gutshall Baker and her husband, Danny, and Theresa Kay Gutshall Breeden; her nephew, Bobby Baker and his wife, Susan; her niece, Dana Clark and her husband, Kenneth; and her great-nieces, Lindsey, Kayla, and Mars.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Eddie Breeden, and her nephew Raymond G. Breeden.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Olivet Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Lee Thomas officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Olivet Presbyterian Church (1019 Richmond Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401) or to the Comprehensive Stroke Association at UVA Medical Center (UVA Health Foundation, P.O. Box 37963, Boone, IA 50037  |  memo line: Comprehensive Stroke Association).