Gayle Bodley Ross peacefully entered eternal life on December 9, 2019 at 1:37 a.m., but her spirit will live on in her beloved husband, two children, six living grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, remaining sister and brother-in-law, sister-in-law, three nephews, and countless other family members and friends who were blessed to experience the joy of knowing and loving such a special woman. Gayle has by now had a happy reunion in heaven with her Mom and Dad, Pat and Pill Bodley; Brother, Jim; Mother-in-Law, Mary Bare; and Granddaughter, Alexandra Arnold. Gayle was a hometown Loveland sweetheart, the proud daughter of "Pat" and "Pill" Bodley. A graduate of Loveland High School in 1957, Gayle was crowned homecoming queen, a title which she took seriously for the rest of her life, being the queen of her family, and in later years having her grandchildren call her "Glam-ma". In 1953 Gayle met, set her cap for and captured Thomas Ross, her adoring husband of 62 years while still in high school, pestering him for pickle loaf every day after school at the local deli until he finally relented, wrapping up his heart and presenting it gladly to the vivacious woman he would cherish all of his life. Gayle was a firm believer in the tall-tale and teaching life lessons through embellishment of the truth. At various times she reminisced about being a famous figure skater and a dancing queen, all for the amusement and edification of her children and grandchildren. She also claims to have been asked on a date by Elvis and kissed by singer Wayne Newton, but she gave all that up for her one true love, Tom Ross. Perhaps best known for her sense of humor and learning to laugh at life's challenges, she instilled in her two children, Pastor Tom Ross and Dawn Ross Jerger, the invaluable character traits of honoring your commitments and learning to "suck it up" and forge ahead, even in the most difficult of circumstances with grace and humor. They adored her and were privileged to be with her in her final days and hours on earth. Gayle also leaves behind her sister and best friend, Patricia "Patsy" Bodley Howcroft, whom she tasked with the responsibility to take charge of the rest of us, as only a true "Bodley woman" can, in her absence. A few of Gayle's favorite pastimes included lounging on the beach or by a pool (although in later years she would warn everyone off of that due to an extended fight with skin cancer!), frequenting a few of the local casinos ("they pipe in oxygen-it's therapeutic!", she would say, with a twinkle in her eye), and celebrating anything and everything with her family. She also loved the thrill of bargain hunting, becoming quite possibly the only brain surgery patient who asked for a free ear piercing from her surgeon, who dutifully complied with her request (she was hard to say no to...). There are so many wonderful stories and things to say about Gayle-she was a beautiful, generous, hilarious, God-loving, gregarious, fashionista, know-it-all who raised a wonderful family and created a legacy that will follow her through her children and grandchildren, all of whom will greatly miss her. She led a full and happy life, and although never wealthy, was rich beyond compare because she was greatly loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Finally, Gayle would probably balk at the length of this obituary, saying that it would cost too much to publish, to which I would reply with one of her own favorite maxims, "I'm worth it!"-and she certainly is. Thanks to all who have been part of this journey and have offered prayer, love, support and friendship throughout the years. A Celebration of Life will be held from 6-8 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home in Loveland, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gayle's memory may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital