Rhilda “Gay” Skaggs, 83 of Grandview Heights passed away after a long, courageous battle with cancer on October 16, 2018 at Mt. Carmel West Hospital. She was born in Johnson County, KY on December 30, 1934 to her late parents Jefferson Davis Smith and Zora Margaret (Hamilton) Smith. She was married to Hunter Skaggs, Jr. on August 18, 1956 in Johnson County, Ky. She retired from Grandview Heights Schools in 1997 after 28 years of dedicated service. Gay attended Columbus First Free Will Baptist Church for over 55 years.

Gay enjoyed sewing and crocheting and found joy in sharing that passion with others. She loved to garden and cook. She had a constant positive outlook, an infectious energy and a love for Jesus. Her genuine kindness touched all who were lucky enough to meet her.

She is survived by her husband, Hunter Skaggs, Jr. Daughters, Margaret (Manuel) Lopes and Lynn (Gordan) Ash; son, Hunter (Melissa) Skaggs; Grandsons, Stephen (Becky) Lopes, Hunter Andrew (Misty) Skaggs and Christopher (Cathy) Skaggs. Great-Grandchildren, Caleb Lopes, Madelyn Skaggs and Connor Skaggs. Sisters, Nora Sparks and Doris Pelphrey and Brother, William (Sue) Smith, Brother-in law Wilbur (Cora) Skaggs. She is proceeded in death by her sisters, Ethel Ratliff and Finetta Blevins. Her legacy lives on through a host of other family and friends.

Friends and family may call Friday October 19, 2018 from 4 pm - 8 pm at Westside Free Will Baptist Church, 3261 Fisher Rd, Columbus, OH 43204 where a funeral service will take place Saturday October 20, 2018 at 10 am.