Garnieta “Gay” Baxa, age 92, of the Old Elkins Road, Buckhannon, died on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Stonehaven Assisted Care Home in Belington, WV.
She was born on April 1, 1933, in Webster County, WV on the grounds of the present-day Holly River State Park, a daughter of the late Elza Lee and Arnie Light Hissam.
She was united in marriage on December 25, 1954, to Howard Franklin “Frank” Baxa who survives.
In addition to her husband, she is also survived by one daughter Sandra Ireland of Buckhannon; two sons: Dennis F. Baxa of Buckhannon and Scotty L. Baxa and Pam of Buckhannon; seven grandchildren: Jeff Ireland and wife Maddy of Charleston, WV, Mark Ireland and wife Sloan of Buckhannon, Danielle Baxa of Berlin, Derrick Baxa, Devin Baxa, Joey Baxa and fiancée Amanda, and Linn Baxa and wife Corie, all of Buckhannon; thirteen great grandchildren; three brothers: Roy Hissam and wife Ruth of Rock Cave, Darrell Hissam of Buckhannon, and Dannie Hissam and wife Louise of Bridgeport, WV; two sisters: Janice Nahidian and husband Bahram of Chantilly, VA and Shirley Zickefoose of Buckhannon; two sisters-in-law Anna Lee Hissam of Buckhannon and Adrienne Hissam of Kanawha Head; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by one daughter-in-law LaDonna Kay Baxa; one great grandson Braxton Baxa; two brothers: Okey Doyle Hissam and Gary Wayne Hissam; one sister Leona Underwood; two brothers-in-law: Arnold Underwood and Amal Zickefoose; and one sister-in-law Pat Hissam.
Gay was a member, with her husband Frank, of the Mt. Rupert United Methodist Church.
She loved spending quiet time gardening in her flowerbeds, cooking for others, and enjoying holidays with family.
She was a caregiver to many throughout the years.
Friends will be received at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM—the funeral hour, with Pastor Gary Phillips officiating.
Interment will follow in the Buckhannon Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Mt. Rupert UM Church in care of Anita King, 58 Needlepoint Drive, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
Online condolences may be extended to the Baxa family at www.heavnerandcutright.com
The Baxa family entrusted the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel with the arrangements.
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