Gayle (Runke) Siroky Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Gayle (Runke) Siroky of Phoenix, Ariz. September 27 at the age of 86. Gayle is survived by her daughter Kathryn "Kathy" (Geoff) Smith; daughter-in-law Tammi Siroky; sons Gary (Elizabeth) Siroky and Lawrence "Larry" (Robyn) Siroky; 12 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Charles L. Siroky, and her son, Charles "Charley" M. Siroky.
Gayle was born April 10, 1938 to Bennie and Walter Runke, Jr. and raised in Flagstaff, Ariz. During her days at Flagstaff High School, she was a member of Girls State, National Honor Society, student council, choir, and orchestra. She was editor of the yearbook her senior year, and the drum majorette for the band her junior and senior years. In addition, she was a Kiwanis Salad Bowl Princess (now the Fiesta Bowl), and the salutatorian of her graduating class of 1956.
After high school, Gayle attended the University of Arizona and majored in journalism. A member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, she served as president her senior year. She was in many honorary clubs including Spurs, Chimes, Women's Press Club and Mortar Board, where she was president her senior year. She served in U of A's student government through various committees, and was associate editor of the university yearbook "Desert" for three years. Named in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, she proudly finished her college career as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Gayle first met her future husband Dr. Charles (Charley) Siroky in high school. They reunited in college but after just a few dates, he left for USC Dental School. They continued their courtship by mail and were married in the summer of 1960 after Gayle graduated. They moved to Nuremberg, Germany for three years, then spent one year in Ft. Irwin, Calif. before finally making their home in Phoenix in 1966 where they raised their family.
Gayle balanced homemaking with community service, joining the Junior League of Phoenix. She was co-founder of the Crisis Nursery (now Child Crisis Arizona) which opened in 1977 where she served as president for two years. As the children got older, Gayle began working in public relations with Buchen, Snell and Company. She continued to be involved in Phi Beta Kappa and Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae organizations and recently received her 65th year pin.
Gayle and Charley were active members of Phoenix Country Club where they played tennis and golf and made many lifelong friends. Gayle accompanied Charley on many dental conference trips which often included skiing vacations. Gayle was an avid bridge player and played with several groups weekly. She enjoyed her book club, and you would often find her enjoying sports on TV. In 1972, Gayle and Charley purchased a piece of land in Flagstaff, Ariz. but didn't build their dream "Hickory Home" until 2005. They spent many holidays making memories with family at their second home in the mountains.
Gayle was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend, and a mother. She was a mentor to us all, offering advice when needed, generously sharing her love and time, and teaching us so many character-defining qualities. She was our pillar of strength, a person you could turn to and lean on; and as we became older, she was our friend. Blessed with the gift of conversation, she never met a stranger. She treasured all her friends, both old and new - and was fiercely proud of her family, which she loved so much. In our hearts she holds a place no one else will ever fill. We love you mom.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Gayle Siroky will be held Saturday, November 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Church of the Ascension in Paradise Valley, Ariz., with a reception to follow. In remembrance of Gayle's life, the family asks that in lieu of flowers any charitable donations be made to The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health in memory of the Siroky family.
