Gay Loree Ziler

Gay Loree Ziler was born July 17, 1937 in Sheridan, WY the second daughter of Peter Jr. and Wilma "Billie" (Senff) Pitsch. Her growing-up years were spent on the Pitsch ranch. She attended elementary school at Crow Agnecy and graduated from Hardin High School. After attending the University of Colorado for a year, she married Roland Croghan in 1956. They had three children. The couple later divorced. Gay married Floyd Smithson in 1981, a fellow student at MSU Bozeman. Mr. Smithson was active as a field representative for Leader Dogs for the Blind during their marriage, Gay continued in this position following Floyd's death until 2006. Although Gay traveled throughout North America and greatly enjoyed the Field Representative work, her greatest joys were doing "Coffee Cup" counseling over the kitchen table and teaching women's Bible studies. She was also actively involved in leadership roles with Christian Women's Club for years and used her piano talents in the churches she attended and in various nursing homes in the area. While attending a all-class reunion in 2000, Gay met a former classmate, Joe Ziler. Two years later they were married. Together they enjoyed Senior Camp and church activities at Parkhill Assembly of God. Gay is survived by her husband Joe Ziler; children Carola (Jim) Thompson, Leigh Ann (Rick) Persson and Mark (Gwen) Croghan; step-children Brandon, Lonny, Joey and Tanny, Cindy, Robert, Debra, James and Shelley; brothers Garry Pitsch and Brent Pitsch; sister Xandra Pitsch; eleven grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her parents, a sister Donna, a brother Douglas and grandson Eric Persson, step-grandson P.J and a step-son Tony. In the last years of her life Gay was so blessed by the many prayers and expressions of love she experienced from her many friends. Visitation is planned for 5PM at the Parkhill Assemnbly of God Church January 14, 2011. A committal service will be 10AM Saturday at the Fairview Cemetery in Hardin with Funeral Services at 2:00PM back at Parkhill Assembly of God Church in Billings. Memorial contributions may be made in Gay's name to Rocky Mountain Hospice or Gidion's International.

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