Gayla Ruth

(Baxter) Terry

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She delighted in telling family, friends, and even strangers how many leap years she had actually celebrated, always sharing the story with a smile and a sparkle in her eye.

Gayla Ruth (Baxter) Terry, 94, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Arrangements are under the care of Dickie Allen Funeral Home in Cushing, Texas.

She was born on Flower Mountain, a large hill in the community of Looneyville, Texas, on February 29, 1932. Gayla cherished her unique Leap Year birthday. She delighted in telling family, friends, and even strangers how many leap years she had actually celebrated, always sharing the story with a smile and a sparkle in her eye.

She was the daughter of Robert and Maggie Baxter and grew up surrounded by the love of her parents and her sisters, Hilda Shilling, Annie Rosser, June Randall, and Jonell Mikule, all of whom preceded her in death.

Gayla is survived by her three daughters, Sherry Striedel (James), Brenda Gandy (Wayne), and Rebecca Terry. Her legacy of love continues through her five grandchildren: Dianna Parker (Clay), Jonathan Gandy (Julie), Jeffrey Striedel (Kyra), Christopher Gandy, and Kevin Striedel (Alisha). She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Tyler Parker, Evan Gandy, Jackson Parker, Madelyn Gandy, Lilianna Gandy, Amelia Gandy, Henry Gandy, and Jacob Striedel.

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Her faith was the cornerstone of her life.

Gayla graduated from Cushing High School and Nacogdoches Business College in the early 1950s, preparing her for a long and dedicated career as a bookkeeper at Clark’s Department Store. Her work was characterized by precision, reliability, and care.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Her commitment to her Lord was unwavering, and she found great comfort and strength in Jesus. She was a beloved member of the Loop 287 Church of Christ in Lufkin, Texas for more than fifty years.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Briarcliff Health Center in Tyler, Texas, for the compassion and loving care they provided during Gayla's last year. Their kindness and dedication will always be remembered. Also, thanks to Heart to Heart Hospice for their help in her final days.

In keeping with Gayla's wishes, a private gathering of immediate family will be held to celebrate and honor her life.

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Her commitment to her Lord was unwavering, and she found great comfort and strength in Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gayla's memory to Friendship Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest. Contributions may be made by check payable to Friendship Cemetery and mailed to:

CBTX c/o Friendship Cemetery 877 7th St. Cushing, TX 75760

Those who loved her can find comfort in the words:

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 (KJV)