Gayann Clay

Chester - Gayann Clay, 84, of Chester, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Athens, Ohio.

Gayann was born on June 13, 1940, in Chester, Ohio, and was the daughter of the late Eldon and Evelyn “Gay” Ebersbach Gaul. A 1958 graduate of Eastern High School and Columbus Business University, she dedicated many years of service to the Meigs County Treasurer’s Office before retiring. Earlier in her career, she also worked at Pomeroy National Bank and Bank One Pomeroy, where she was known for her kindness and professionalism. She was a longtime member of Chester United Methodist Church, a member of Eastern Star, and a devoted volunteer at the Meigs County Health Department.

On Memorial Day in Chester, Gayann was a familiar and beloved presence, honoring veterans by passing out flowers for children to place on graves at Chester Cemetery. In retirement, she cherished attending her grandchildren’s activities and made treasured memories on family trips to Walt Disney World. She had a deep love for genealogy, spending countless hours tracing family history, and found peace in quiet moments by the river.

She is survived by her son, Todd (Andrea) Clay; daughter, Suzanne (Bryan) Durst; four granddaughters, Lizzie and Erin Clay, Ally and Juli Durst; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth Ann and Kenneth DeLong; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Ronald, in 2023; her brother, Richard "Dick" Gaul, in 2021; and an infant brother, James Eldon Gaul.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to caregivers Caralyn Barton and Tammy Mckenzie, as well as the compassionate staff at Kimes Nursing Home in Athens.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Ewing Funeral Home in Pomeroy, Ohio, with Pastor Scott Blevins officiating. Burial will follow at Meigs Memory Gardens. Friends and family are invited to gather for food and fellowship at the Ewing Family Center following the cemetery service.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at ehwfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Chester United Methodist Church, c/o Brandon Buckley, 43375 Pomeroy Pike, Pomeroy, Ohio 45769.