Kristy Gaynor, one of 6 killed in I-70 crash, remembered for how she loved serving others

BOLIVAR ‒ Kristy Gaynor was a person who loved her family and loved other people, especially children.

Her pastor, Aaron Rae, said she treasured children, serving with the youth program at her church, Bolivar Community Church, and helping kids less fortunate in the community.

"If you were able to spend any amount of time with her, you would have found out very quickly that she loved Jesus first and foremost," he said, "that her life was about serving her family and the community and those around her in such a way that they would see the Jesus she loved so dearly."

Gaynor, 39, of Zoar, was one of six people from the Tuscarawas Valley School District who died in crash Nov. 14 on Interstate 70 in Licking County.

Extra chairs were set up in the sanctuary of Bolivar Community Church Sunday evening to accommodate the large number of mourners who attended her funeral service. Photos of Gaynor's life were shown on video screens on the wall at the front of the sanctuary, including ones of her in Civil War garb. She and her family regularly participated in Civil War reenactments.

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The service opened with the singing of one of her favorite songs, "King of Kings." Music was an important part of the service, with those in attendance singing "It Is Well with My Soul," another of her favorites, as well as "Amazing Grace."

Caring for people

In his eulogy, Rae talked about the many things she treasured, including volunteering at community organizations, making new friends, caring for people and especially her relationship with Jesus.

He recalled that in March, he and Gaynor took a group of senior high kids to Columbus for a weekend retreat. He remembered a conversation while they were driving there.

"I heard her engage in a conversation, and this kid was just being raw and honest," Rae said. "And Kristy sat there and listened. From where I was sitting, I had the big rearview mirror, and I could see tears streaming down her face. She sat there and listened, and then as soon as we stopped, she sat up and hugged that young man. Kristy loved kids. She treasured them."

'Kristy never gave up on people'

He talked also talked about how Gaynor's women's group was studying the Book of Esther, her favorite book in the Bible. He noted that Gaynor had many qualities similar to Esther, a Persian queen who did whatever was necessary to help save her people, the Jews.

"Kristy never gave up on people," Rae said. "She would always pursue them. She would never back away, even when it was uncomfortable. She would go out of her way to let people know that they were valued and they mattered and that she was never going to give up on them."

Gaynor leaves her husband, Mark, and their three children.

Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Kristy Gaynor remembered for doing whatever she could to serve others