Ruth Thomas Gayle, 91, of Lake Charles passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, February 09, 2011 surrounded by her family.

She was born October 21, 1919 in Goose Creek, TX. Mrs. Gayle was graduated from Lake Charles High School and Louisiana State University where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority, Little Colonel (leader of the sponsors of the Cadet Corp) and Co-ed Vice President of the student body. During World War II when Arthur was stationed in Washington D.C., Ruth worked for the Pictorial Division of the Signal Corps.

She was active in the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd where she was a member of the Altar Guild, head of the Brown Bag program, which gave food to the needy, and co-chairman of the Church Centennial Celebration Committee. Mrs. Gayle was active in community affairs, Past President of the Junior League of Lake Charles and was on both the local and state boards of the American Heart Association and Cancer Society. She was the recipient of the Family and Youth Counseling Agency Family Humanitarian Award, and Past Queen of the Krewe of Mystique Mardi Gras Ball, a member of P.E.O., and Planters League. Ruth enjoyed traveling, reading, playing bridge, and visiting with family and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents William C. Thomas and Margaret Phillips Thomas, sister Madora T. Gill, and brothers William, Ogden, and Richard Thomas

She is survived by her husband of sixty-nine years, Arthur L. Gayle, Jr.; her children Diane G. Daley and husband Kevin of Austin, TX, Arthur L. Gayle III of Sugarland, TX, and Candi G. Holland and husband Marvin of Lake Charles; grandchildren, Dr. Christopher S. Turner of Baton Rouge, Stephanie G. Stahlman of Westlake, Justin Guglielmo of Shreveport, and Ashleigh Holland of Baton Rouge; great grandchildren, Margaret, Mary Elliot and Hayes Turner of Baton Rouge, Shaylinn, Jolianna, and Loralie Stahlman of Westlake, and Mya Guglielmo of Shreveport.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the efficient and loving care given Ruth in her final days to niece Frances (FiFi) Martin, Debbie Belaire, Billye Dillard, caregivers Madeline Trail, Dianna Pettit, Martha Rosamore and Mary Williams, and the Christus St. Patrick Hospice and Home Care team of Elaine Miller, Vera Ackley, Roxanne Ogea, and Myra Thibedeaux.

Her Memorial Service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Friday, February 11, 2011, at 11:00 AM. The Reverend Gedge Gayle and Church Rector Jack Myers will officiate. Inurnment will be at the Church. A gathering of family and friends will be from 10:00 AM until time of service at the Parish Hall of the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School, 715 Kirkman St., Lake Charles, LA 70601, or the Arthur L. Gayle Scholarship Fund at McNeese State University, P.O. Box 91989, Lake Charles, LA 70609-9982 or to the charity of choice.