Gayle Ann Keyes

On February 16, 2022 Gayle Ann Keyes, surrounded by her children, was called home to Heaven after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Bennington on December 14, 1952 to Doris (Crofut) and George H. Wright she grew up on the family homestead on River Road in West Arlington, Vermont. Gayle attended the Arlington Schools and was a 1970 graduate of Arlington Memorial High School. Gayle was employed for many years at Mack Molding as receptionist and in accounting. She later worked as a secretary at Arlington High school until leaving to take care of her mother. She also worked as a waitress at several area restaurants where you could always find her addictive smiling face. Gayle was known widely throughout the area for her musical talents. She performed with several local bands and once had the privilege of being the opening act for Willie Nelson. Gayle was also known for her devotion to the community and for years coordinated and directed the Country & Western Music Show in Arlington to support local organizations. Gayle and her mother Doris were members of the Kellystand Symphony, a group of musicians who performed at many local nursing homes in the area to bring cheer to the residents. Gayle was a cast member for the local musical productions Nunsense and Nunsense II, highlighting Gayle’s broad ability to entertain. Gayle was a member of the Battenkill Grange #487, where she hosted countless special events for the membership’s families. Through the Grange, Gayle entered and won several Vermont State Grange talent shows and three times represented the State of Vermont at their National competitions. As a member of the West Arlington Methodist Church, Gayle’s favorite events were helping with the annual Turkey Dinner and Strawberry Festival fundraisers. Gayle is survived by her children James Paustian and wife Susan of West Arlington, Jill Lampron and husband Mike of Essex Junction, Melissa West and husband Todd of Manchester, Chad Paustian and wife Ashley of Bennington and stepsons Marshall Keyes and significant other Clea of Fall River MA and Paul Keyes and significant other Erin of Averil park NY. She is also survived by her brother Greg Wright and sisters Linda Hoffman, Beverly Zimmer and Debbie Quick. She was predeceased by her parents Doris and George Wright, first husband Marty Paustian, husband Keith Keyes and loving daughter Hannah Keyes. Her greatest love was family! She adored her children and held a special love for her grandchildren, Taylor, Jake, Chrissy, Alexa, Noah, Alex, Caleb, Ben, Maddy, Aubrey, Chen, Ella and Aliya and was blessed with six great grandchildren: Riley, Mollie, Wyatt, Jase, Elsie and Harlow. She loved hosting family gatherings and would usually be found in the kitchen in her cooking apron watching one of her favorite movies over and over. Services will be held on April 23rd at 1:00 pm at the Arlington Community Church on the Green in West Arlington. Early arrivals will be greeted by the family starting at noon. Burial will follow at the family lot at the West Arlington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arlington Rescue Squad online or at 66 Chittenden Drive, Arlington, VT 05250. The Family of Gayle would like to thank the Staff of the Vermont Veterans’ Home for their outstanding care and commitment to our entire family.