Gayla A Schriefer

Gayla A. Schriefer (nee Hinkle) age 90, beloved wife of the late Glen Schriefer; mother of Brian Schriefer (Hildur Jonsson) and the late Bruce Schriefer; grandmother of Tonya Primas, David Schriefer, Richard Schriefer (Christine), the late Edda Schriefer, Benedikt Schriefer, Vala Schriefer, Loa Schriefer; great-grandmother of Scarlett Prymas and Carter Schriefer, daughter of the late John and Jona (nee Jones) Hinkle, sister of Sue Schmidt and Ann Lottes, both deceased.

Gayla was born in southern Indiana. Shortly after she was born, her mother married her stepfather, Albert Ruston.  Her mother and stepfather had two daughters, Sue and Ann. When the three sisters were seven, three and one year old, Jona, their mother died from complications of an infection. Her stepfather and sisters moved in with her maternal grandparents, Helen and Henry Jones. Gayla was raised lovingly in that household until her teenage years. Her grandparents were living in extreme poverty as was much of the country at that time during the Great Depression but they welcomed the broken family with open arms. Later, her stepfather married Opal Ruston.

Gayla always spoke fondly of her grandparents whose compassion and love set an example that influenced how she lived her life inspiring her to be an active and generous member of her community.

Gayla was an active member of her community, always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it was taking care of her grandchildren, volunteering at the food bank, the library or her church, Mayfield Methodist Church.

Gayla had a positive attitude and many friends to share special moments with. She and her girlfriends were always getting together to play cards, read books in their book club or just goof off and laugh together.

Gayla and Glen were married at age 19 and they played bridge from the beginning of their marriage until the end of their lives. Gayla had a couples bridge group and a girlfriends bridge group, and both groups met every month.

Gayla and Glen travelled extensively, especially during the last third of their lives. They travelled all over the world but loved nothing better than sitting under a beach umbrella with a good book in one hand and a margarita in the other.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Gayla or her granddaughter Edda to the Hattie Larlham Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mayfield United Methodist Church, 7747 Mayfield Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026.  The Celebration of Life will be followed by light refreshments.