Gayle Anton

Gayle Jane (nee Smith) Anton, age 80, passed away on August 15^th, 2023, surrounded by her family.

She was born January 11^th, 1943, to Gaylon and Carol Smith, in Cleveland, Ohio.  Gayle was raised in Shaker Heights and attended Notre Dame College in South Euclid where she earned an English degree. While in school, she worked nights as a waitress at Frisch’s Big Boy where she met Franklyn Anton. The couple later married in 1963. Gayle and Frank raised their two children in Chardon. Gayle taught school and later retired from ASM International in 2005.

Gayle was an avid golfer and bowler.  She was part of several leagues over the years.  Her favorite hobbies were reading and crocheting.  You could never find Gayle without a book or her crochet needles. She was the recipient of numerous blue ribbons @ Geauga County Fairs for her beautiful afghans. Gayle also loved thrifting.  You could always find her either donating or shopping at the Chardon American Cancer Society Thrift store (Discovery Shop).  Gayle loved sports.  Cleveland Browns and especially the Cleveland Indians (Guardians) were her favorite teams.  She never missed a game (tv or radio) while crocheting gifts for her family.

Gayle was a Chardon area resident for many years, before moving to Columbus in 2019 to be closer to her loved ones.  Most recently, Gayle was an active member of a book club and participated in water aerobics with friends in her retirement community at Wesley Ridge of Reynoldsburg, OH.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gaylon and Carol Smith, husband of 55 years, Franklyn Anton, and her brother, Thomas (Marilyn) Smith.

Loving Mother of Ann Marie Burks and Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Anton.  Devoted grandmother to Brandon Burks, Bethany (Jordan) Smith, Alexandra (Richard) Volz, Victoria Anton, Sophia Anton and great-granddaughter Remington Smith.  Cherished sister of Kathleen (Lawrence) Koehl and Lynn (Sue) Smith.

Gayle will be laid to rest at Galloway Cemetery in Prairie Township. A private graveside service will be held later this week.

Gayle’s family will receive friends on September 7^th from 5-7:00 p.m. at Wesley Ridge Retirement Community, 2225 Taylor Park Drive, Reynoldsburg, OH.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Gayle may be made to her favorite charity, American Cancer Society of Geauga County (https://www.cancer.org).