December 19, 1939 – November 5, 2026
Gaytha Ann Tanksley, 86, of Heltonville, passed away on November 5, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, creativity, faith, and cherished memories.
Born December 19, 1939, in Bedford, Indiana, she was the daughter of Charles “Bud” and Dorsie Irene (Perry) Spaulding. On January 3, 1956, she married Donald Lee Tanksley, beginning a journey that would span more than 70 years of marriage, family, and devotion.
Of all the roles Gaytha embraced throughout her life, none brought her greater joy or pride than being a mother. Raising her three children was not simply a responsibility, but one of her greatest passions and accomplishments. She was an exceptional mother who poured her heart into her family, offering unconditional love, guidance, and encouragement. Her devotion to her children was a reflection of who she was, and the family she raised remains one of her greatest legacies.
Gaytha was an artist at heart. Through the years, she expressed herself through painting, writing, singing, songwriting, and turning a house into a home. Whether through a paintbrush, a song, or encouraging others, Gaytha had a special way of bringing beauty into the world around her.
While Gaytha possessed many talents of her own, one of her greatest gifts was recognizing the talents in others. She had a remarkable ability to see potential in people, often before they could see it in themselves. She wasn’t content to simply offer encouragement; she inspired others to discover their abilities, develop their gifts, and become more than they believed possible. Her passion for helping young people grow was evident in her years as a Sunday School teacher and her work as a preschool director for KinderCare in Texas. Through her faith, guidance, and unwavering belief in others, she helped shape lives in ways that would extend far beyond her own.
A member of Meadows Community Church, Gaytha was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a treasured friend to those fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered not only for the beautiful things she created, but for the confidence she helped build, the talents she helped uncover, and the lives she inspired along the way.
Survivors include her husband, Donald Tanksley of Heltonville; three children, Sheila Ann Howard (husband Courtney) of Oklahoma, Sheryl Lynn Hawkins-Turner (husband Jeff) of Bedford, and Shawn David Tanksley of Heltonville; six grandchildren, Tyson Hawkins (wife Taryn), Jonathan Hawkins, Jordan Hawkins, all of Indiana, Kristen Labus of Oklahoma, Brennan Tanksley and fiancé Nicolette, and Eryn Richards (husband Dallas), all of Texas; and a sister, Renae Ratkovich (husband Jim) of Fayetteville.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Jan David Spaulding.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 12, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary, with Rev. Dr. Robert Courson and Rev. Mike Eads officiating. Burial will follow in the Meadows Community Church Cemetery.
Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycater.com.
