Gayle Ritchey, 73, of Early passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at her home. Gayle was born Monday, June 28, 1948 in Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma to James Russell Allen and Joyce Lea Ozment.

She married Perry Ritchey on September 12, 1970 in Longview, Texas and the two began a life together that blessed them with 3 children. A lifelong artist and proponent of the arts, Gayle approached life with the same creativity and dedication as she did her fine oil landscapes. She shared her time and her encouragement generously.

For her children, she was a regular fixture at school events, often behind the scenes and always among the most enthusiastic and vocal spectators. Her distinctive orange van served as a taxi and rescue service for their friends, ever present and always reliable.

Later in life, Gayle served on the board of the Brownwood Art Association and occasionally even taught workshops for budding artists, having been voted Artist of the Year in 2018.

She had a soft spot for cats, peacocks, granddaughters and loved the color blue, collecting porcelains and figurines and more than one grateful stray throughout her life.

Gayle is survived by her husband Perry Ritchey of Early, TX; 2 daughters, Michelle Cannell of Lake Dallas, TX and Dayna Rarick of Lantana, TX; son Jea Ritchey of San Antonio, TX; 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her granddaughter Victoria Compton.

A Memorial service for Gayle will be held 2pm Saturday, June 25th at the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel in Early.

Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.