- Date Of Birth: July 19, 1940
- Date Of Death: June 19, 2023
- State: Ohio
Gayle Mantush (nee Kovach), age 82, of Auburn Township, passed away peacefully Monday, June 19, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Cleveland, on July 19, 1940, to the late Frank and Olga (nee Feher) Kovach.
Gayle found joy in life connecting with others, being especially good with kids of all ages. She retired from the Kenston Schools, serving in several roles and being honored for her dedication with the creation of the Gayle Mantush Booster of the Year award. Many of her Kenston students remember her fondly as the “Mancala Master” or the “Candy Queen.”
Gayle then partnered with three paint contractors over the years, taking great pride and enjoyment in working with people to beautify their homes or businesses. Then, in 2005, she began working for The Fontanelle Group Inc. as an account representative. She quickly built a strong rapport with many business owners throughout Geauga County. She was adamant in her mission to help these individuals grow and succeed professionally.
Gayle continued her mission, as the Fontanelle publications became part of Karlovec Media Group in August 2020, until her passing.
Gayle was the embodiment of generosity and love. This was most evident in her favorite role as a mother. As her children grew, her door and home were always open to their friends and she treated them as if they were her own. She filled her home with joy, laughter, security and encouragement. Also, no one ever left her home before she made sure they had something to eat!
Gayle was devoted to her entire family and was proud of her Hungarian heritage. She cherished the holidays, especially Christmas. Gayle enjoyed putting on a feast and guests were guaranteed to hear her say, “save your fork,” as her philosophy was no meal was complete without dessert!
Next to her family, Gayle’s second love was playing cards. Bridge, Pinochle and Hand-and-Foot were her favorites. She was especially good at Bridge and Pinochle, even participating in live and online tournaments, claiming quite a few victories over the years.
Gayle also loved going to casinos. You could find her at a roulette table, Wheel of Fortune slot machine or in the poker room. She loved animals. This included her uncle’s racehorses, family dogs and the greyhounds at the dog tracks in West Virginia.
Gayle touched many lives. In simple terms: She loved and was deeply loved.
Gayle will be greatly missed by: her daughter, Christine Mantush and her fiancée, Robert Kolar; grandson, Louis T. (Emily) Mantush; great-grandson, Louis J. Mantush; daughter-in-law, Marion Mantush; brother-in-law, Daniel (Marie) Mantush; sister-in-law, Nancy Mantush; best friend, Ellie Milburn, many nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by: her parents; husband, George Mantush, of 28 years died in 1990; Robert Vlk, companion for 25 years; son, Louis A. Mantush; brother, Ronald and wife, Loretta Kovach; and brothers-in-law, Johnny, Patrick “Leo” and Donald “Ducky” Mantush.
