Gayle A. Cooper, age 88, of Xenia, passed away Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Hospice of Dayton. She was born January 21, 1935 in Nicholas County, Kentucky, the daughter of Elizabeth Ann (Collins) and Everett Albert Higgins.

In addition to her parents, Gayle was preceded in death by her husband: John M. Cooper; a sister: Faye Clark and a brother: James Everett Higgins.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Deborah and Tony Pitstick of Xenia; sisters: Mary McGill of West Liberty, OH and Delores Harding of IN; brother: Dan (Barb) Higgins of SC; granddaughters: Amy (Kevin) Wilson and Lora (Morgan) Kendrick, both of Springboro; great grandchildren: Drew and Evan Wilson and Logan, Mya and Layla Kendrick; sister-in-law: Lois Rhoten of Hillsboro, KY; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Gayle was proud to have completed her schooling to become a beautician, riding the bus to Dayton every day for training and then opening a salon in her own home in Xenia. She later became the long-time office manager for Dr. Dahling, DDS in Xenia. She was a member of First Church of Christ in Xenia. She was fortunate to have wonderful neighbors which she considered her friends. She also loved to take vacations with her family and enjoyed making lasting memories with them.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ohio Valley Voices, 642 Branch Hill-Guinea Pike, Loveland, OH 45140 .

Services will be held 11:30 AM Thursday, May 11 ^th at First Church of Christ, 441 Ledbetter Road, Xenia with her nephew, Rev. Glenn Harding officiating. Visitation will be held 10:30 AM Thursday until the time of service at the church. She will be buried at Valley View Memory Gardens, Friday at 11 AM.