Blanche Gayheart Obituary Blanche Gayheart, age 92, longtime resident of Shelby passed away February 16, 2025, in her home surrounded by family.
She was born January 31, 1933, in Knott County, Kentucky to the late Estill and Sadie (Handshoe) Robinson, she had been a Shelby area resident since 1943.
Blanche was known for being a wonderful homemaker, keeping a tidy home, while raising her four children, and supporting her husband. Over the years as her family grew she became affectionately known as 'Mawmaw' to her grandchildren and their friends. She cared deeply for her family and was always supportive of everyone in their many endeavors. Also, known as the 'pumpkin roll lady,' Blanche traveled around town selling pumpkin rolls all over the community during the holiday season for the Taylortown Community Church.
She was a beloved active member of the Taylortown Community Church, Shelby Senior Center, and the Shelby YMCA where she made many friends through the years. Blanche enjoyed staying active walking many miles daily. She was a social butterfly that could often be spotted out with family or friends enjoying company. She had the dancing bug and loved to let it loose with spontaneous dancing wherever she saw fit. Her infectious smile and personality will be missed by all that were fortunate to have been blessed to have known her.
She is survived by her children, Bryon Gayheart of Shelby, Gladys Hicks of Shelby, and Laura (Chris) Fraley of Shelby; daughter-in-law Tammy Gayheart of Lenoir, NC; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter; one brother, Steve Robinson of Plymouth, OH; two sisters, Beatrice Horne of Nashville, TN and Coleen Robinson of Mansfield, OH; sister-in-law, Ginny Robinson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Forest Gayheart, whom she wed on May 8, 1955; son, Greg Gayheart; infant sister, Edna Jean Robinson; sister, Mary Horne; brothers, Wayne and John Robinson; sister-in-law Lois Robinson; son-in-law, Phillip Hicks; and great-granddaughter, Alyssa Laser.
Friends may visit the family Wednesday, February 19 from 4PM to 7PM at Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory. A funeral service will be held the following day at 11AM at the Taylortown Community Church. Reverend Doug Tackett will officiate with internment held in Maple Grove Cemetery.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association at American Lung Association National Direct Response Headquarters P.O. Box 756 Osceola, WI 54020-0756.
Services
Visitation
Wednesday
February 19, 2025
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Barkdull Funeral Home
33 N. Gamble Street
Shelby, OH 44875
Funeral Ceremony
Thursday
February 20, 2025
11:00 AM
Taylortown Community Church in Shelby