Loretta Jean Gay, 91, of Harpers ferry, WV passed away on July 21, 2026, at home with her family by her side and the care of hospice.

Born on August 18, 1934, in Charles Town, WV, she was the daughter of the late Houston and Blanche Fridley. She was of the Pentecostal faith.

She was a beautiful, Caring and loving woman who spent her entire life making sure all our holidays were filled with lots of love and good food. She was always thinking of others.

Her family was the most important thing to her, and she did everything to make us feel loved. Her unconditional love will leave an everlasting mark on all of our hearts.

She is survived by her loving husband of 76 years, Raymond “Buck” Gay; her children, Linda Stewart (Gene), Michael Gay (Nancy), Donna K. Rinker (John); grandchildren, her special angel, Laura Whittington (Brian), Gary Lewis, Justin Gay (Erin), Josh Gay (LeAnn); great-grandchildren, Ashley Schul (Matt), Hannah Lewis, Jordyn Gay, Jax Gay, Rowan Gay; great-great-grandchildren, Ava Schul and Jax Lewis Strider; sister, Kathleen “Pud” Ainsworth; brother, Merle Fridley (Anna); and numerous other family whom she dearly loved; a very special neighbor, Gary Cogle, who she thought of as a son.

A special thanks to Gene Stewart (son-in-law), Brian Whittington (grandson-in-law), Susan Waters, Besty Rinker and the Hospice of the Panhandle for the care they provided.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Roy Fridley; and four nephews.

Services will be private per her request.