Today , the family of Gay Ellen Pedigo is finding peace knowing she is no longer suffering.

Her parents Viola and Galvin Douglass chose her name the day she arrived on February 9 , 1937, for the joy and light she brought them and her proud sisters, Beatrice and Jill.

Her natural, easy going and loving nature was unfailing for her five beautiful children.  She called Kimberly her "Leader," who carries the "final word on what is good, right and beautiful!"  Robert Jr.  she called "Our rock," who "stands not for one, but for all."  She saw Kristen as her "Energizer bunny and cheerleader," who "keeps us going and together."  Kathleen was and is the "Calm waters in crisis," and "salve to any wound."  And, Bradley, her youngest child whom she now joins in heaven, was "Our happiness, with his eternal smile."

Friends of Kokomo, Danville, Rochester and all across Indiana may remember her as winning high school coach Bob Pedigo's wife.  His players called Mrs. Pedigo their surrogate mom, sharing their home as if it was just as easily their own.

Left to cherish Gay's memory are her four remaining children and their families: Kimberly Sunde, Kristen Carr and husband Dave, Kathleen Nickel and husband Randy, as well as her son, Robert Pedigo Jr. and his wife Pura.

They surrounded her with ten adoring grandchildren: September Sunde, Lindsey Thomas, Jenny Roberts, Stacy Smith, Andria Nickel, Gwen Nickel, Robby Pedigo, Natalie Pedigo, Jonathon Pedigo and Katy Pedigo.

Gay is survived by her sister Bea.  "My little Mother Hen from childhood to the end," she once said.  Bea provided "confidence and stability" in the frightening moments after a tornado leveled Gay and Bob's family home.   Gay is at peace knowing Bea's husband Vic Mercer is lovingly by her side.

With her spirit free, Gay is lifted to her own son's side.  Brad, was her "Cardinal of Optimism," and her sister, Jill, was her "Heavenly ray of light and hope." And, when night comes, Gay will once again hear them say,  "The barn burned down.  Now we can see the moon!"

Gay moved beyond the moon and to the heavens on Tuesday, September 4 , 2018.

A Celebration of Life begins at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 8 , 2018 at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester, IN  46975. Father Michael McKinney will officiate her funeral beginning at 11:00.

May you find "Peace, light, and forgiveness," in Gay's honor.