Anna Gayheart

Anna Gayheart, 72, passed away peacefully on May 19th, 2023 surrounded by her family. 

Anna was born on September 2, 1950 in Lackey, KY and graduated from Maytown High School in Langley, KY. She was crowned the homecoming queen, was a cheerleader, and was active in the choir and band. She attended Prestonsburg Community College in Prestonsburg, KY. She married her childhood sweetheart on August 15, 1970. They were blessed with two wonderful boys, Ken and Charlie. Anna’s boys gave her 4 grandchildren who loved to call her Gigi. 

Most importantly, Anna loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ above all. She was a church member of Springdale Baptist Church in Lexington, KY and was an excellent model of selflessness and grace. Her love for the Lord was evident in her heart and in her life, and she was a devoted follower of Christ for many years. Her favorite Bible verse was Phillippians 4:13, which reads “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Anna also loved to spend time with her loved ones, and especially loved celebrating the holidays with them. She loved to decorate and make the holidays extra special with her favorite traditions, including hiding “the pickle” on the Christmas tree as a treasure hunt for everyone. 

Many of Anna’s friends were like family to her, and she loved spending time with her friends from work. She worked in insurance for over 50 years, and worked most recently at Houchens Group Insurance (formerly VanMeter Insurance) for 30+ years. One of her biggest talents involved music as she loved to sing. She sang in a quartet called the Valentinos with her husband and other friends, and they sang at nursing homes, high school reunions, and other events. She also loved to “shop until she dropped”, not only for herself but to buy gifts for others. She loved flowers, one of her favorites being the moonflower, as well as spending time outside in a special swing that her family put together for her. 

She was the best wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She always kept people laughing and had a great sense of humor. She was caring, loving, gentle, and faithful. She was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Anna was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Lurana Howard, and her brother-in-law, Walter Hollin. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ken L Gayheart, her sons Ken R Gayheart (Linda) and Charlie Gayheart, her sisters Drema Howard (MJ Edjlali), and Sheila Hollin, her grandchildren, Madison Bicknell (Lane), Kennedy Gayheart, Leo Gayheart, and Lyric Gayheart. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Rita Stewart, and brother-in-law, Allen Stewart. Additionally, she is survived by nieces and a nephew, Rachel Climer (Phillip), Melanie Ann Stewart, and Ahresh Edjlali (Amanda). She is also survived by her great niece and nephew, Abby and David Climer. 

Visitation for Anna will be held on Wednesday, May 24th from 9-11am at Milward - Man O’ War,  located at 1509 Trent Blvd, Lexington, KY 40515. Funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 11. In honor of Anna’s legacy, please direct flowers or other contributions to Milward Funeral Directors on Trent Blvd.