D. Gaye Cahoon

D. Gaye Cahoon, age 81, of Springfield, Ohio, entered her heavenly home on July 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was a strong woman of great love evidenced in numerous ways. Born a champion of the less fortunate she couldn’t help but care for others deeply, whether it was her patients as a nurse, a friend in need, or someone seeking guidance. Sensing her calm strength and deep love, children were drawn to her—knowing they had found a safe place to thrive. She brought out the best in everyone as all were accepted and nonsense wasn’t tolerated. She was a force to be reckoned with— outliving all the doctors expectations simply to demonstrate no one told her what she was going to do. She was such a pillar of faith and strength that she empowered others by her example and remained a safe harbor when life became difficult for them. Her absence will be felt deeply. The Bible tells us a tree should be judged by its fruit. Her life bore much fruit that will continue to impact this world for generations to come. If you knew her, you completely understand—if you didn’t, then you wish you did. 

Gaye was born to the late Herschel and Willa (Blanton) Winters in Meigs County, Ohio on August 28, 1942. She was a graduate of Rio Grande High School (Rio Grande, Ohio) and Holzer Hospital School of Nursing (Gallipolis, Ohio). She worked as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Medical Center and ended her career at The Ohio Masonic Home. 

She was a long-time member of First Christian Church (Springfield, Ohio). After moving to The Villages, Florida, she was an active member of New Life Christian Church (Wildwood, Florida) serving in the prayer ministry, women’s ministry and missions board.

 Above all else, Gaye loved her family. She was a loving wife and ministry partner to her husband, Phillip Cahoon, for 60 years; a powerful example of godliness for her daughters Joy (Bill) Raines, Lisa (Mike) Montgomery, Monica (Mike) Yinger, Michelle (Mike) Hall, Joyce (Steve) Ochs, Anita Cahoon, and sons Rick (Julie) Gillespie and David (Mellony) Cahoon; a spoiler in the best way possible of her 25 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren; an encourager to brother Gary (Georgia) Winters, nephew Jeff Winters, Niece Julie Roller, and an abundance of friends. 

Gaye was a perfect example of a Proverb 31 woman: a supportive and loving wife; a protective, loving mother to countless children; a faithful friend to many; a compassionate caregiver to those in need; an advocate for those needing love, compassion and family. We will always remember her kind heart, sweet smile and infectious giggle. She will be deeply cherished and sorely missed by those who remain as she is welcomed into her heavenly home by her precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, grandson Aaron Raines, nieces Janice and Jacqueline Winters and son-in-law Mike Hall.

 Visiting hours will be Friday, August 2, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 pm and Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 am at First Christian Church, 3638 Middle Urbana Road, Springfield, Ohio. Services will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11:00 am at First Christian Church. 

Memorials can be given to Hearts of Hope Christian Ministries (make checks payable to “New International” @ 1430 Broadway, Springfield, OH 45504 or online at www.newinternational.org specify “Heather Burton”) or Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton (https://www.ohioshospice.org/ give/). Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com