Orpha Jeannette Gay , 98, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at her home.

Born on April 13, 1927, in Larwill, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Russell and Emilie (Breisch) Watson.  Growing up in Larwill, she completed Larwill Elementary School and attended Larwill High School.

On July 3, 1943, she married Dale L. Gay.  They made their first home outside Larwill, then moved to a farm near Liberty Mills.  In 1948, the couple moved to Columbia City, where Dale owned and operated Dale's Service Station.  Dale died on November 25, 1977.

In addition to being a homemaker raising the kids, Orpha provided private laundry and ironing service to area families.  She assisted her husband with his business until his death and later worked at the Stop-N-Go convenience store on West VanBuren St.

Remembered as a good cook, she prepared delicious meals for her family.  She enjoyed growing flowers and plants around their home, and in her senior years, liked to watch the birds.  She was a fan of Judge Judy and often watched her court case shows.  Caring and nurturing, Orpha raised a special needs grandchild, Bobby.

Surviving is a daughter, Trudy Mosley of Columbia City; daughters-in-law, Deborah Gay and Kathy Huston, both of Columbia City; grandchildren, Troy (Angie) Gay, Jodi (Kris) Parnell, Jade Gay, Aaron (Lindsey) Mosley, and Michael Mosley; and great-grandchildren, Chase (Magda) Parnell, Bryce Parnell, Maya Gay, Zach Powers, Tyler Huston, and Trinity Mosley.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by sons, Gary and Dennis Gay, grandsons, Robert "Bobby" Gay and Neal Mosley; brothers, David, Bill, and Creed Watson; and sisters, Gloria Gibson, Ruth Barnes, Lucy Parret, and Annie Sheets.

The funeral service is 2 p.m. Monday (Oct 20th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Burial is beside her husband at the Greenhill Cemetery.  Visitation is from 12 noon until the service Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Orpha's honor are to the Humane Society of Whitley County.

The family would like to thank dear neighbors Barb & Steve Lalone and Nicholas Steill for their care and support, and Parkview Home Health & Hospice for their excellent care.