Gail E. Stewart, 56, of Bellefonte, died April 12, 2010 at Mount Nittany Medical Center in College Township.
She was born December 10, 1953, a daughter of Peggy Ripka Brooks of Bellefonte and the late Donald W. "Pete" Ripka.
On September 18, 1999, she married Roy J. Stewart who survives at home.
Gail graduated from Bellefonte High School in 1972.
Most of her working life was spent working as a legal assistant for Raytheon Systems.
She was a person of many interests, but spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, was what she cherished most.
In addition to her mother and husband, she is survived by a daughter Tara E. Rhoads of Bellefonte; a step daughter Kristyn M. Stewart Brown and her husband, Marine Captain Matthew Brown of Pensacola, FL; two sisters, Barbara Fetzer (William) of Chamberburg, PA and Nancy LaRocca (Bob) of Bristow, VA; two brothers Donald Ripka (Kim) of Chambersburg, PA and Russell (Sunny) Ripka of Augusta, GA; and her three cherished grandchildren Zoe Rae, Maura Elaine, and Olivia Grace Horner.
She was preceded in death by her father, two brothers Danny W. and Michael H. Ripka, and her step father Luther Brooks.
A memorial service will be held 6:30 PM Thursday, April 15, 2010, at the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church, 179 S. Main Street, Pleasant Gap, with Pastor Tom Osif officiating, assisted by the Reverends Lisa Schoonmaker and Jody Reese. Friends will be received immediately after the service in the Fellowship Hall of the church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Zoe Rae, Maura Elaine and Olivia Grace Trust Fund, c/o Nancy LaRocca, 171 Stover Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.