of Batesville, AR
October 27, 1941 - April 9, 2025
Obituary composed and submitted by her family.
Gayle June Silberhorn, 83, of Batesville, AR, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. She was born on October 27, 1941, in Barberton, Ohio to Gail and Betty (Ingram) Miksch.
After the death of her first husband, Robert D. Bauders, she married Dan C. Silberhorn and moved to Arkansas.
She retired from Lyon College in 2007 after working there for over 30 years. Most of that time was as an Administrative Secretary.
Throughout her life, Gayle dedicated herself to service and community. She was instrumental in the founding of the Family Violence Prevention in Independence County, a cause close to her heart. When her children were youths, she worked with the youth program at First United Methodist Church in Batesville. The young people gave her the nickname of ''Silby'', as Silberhorn was such a mouthful. This nickname carries to this day, with former youth members and many of their parents still using it.
Among her many loves were watching The View, anything with Tom Selleck, and hating on squirrels.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her first husband, Bob, and second husband Dan.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Greg Bauders (Lesley) of Jonesboro AR and Melissa Hayes of Germantown TN; grandchildren Annalee Bauders, Reagan Hayes, and Madison Hayes (who are still debating who her favorite was); a brother, Larry Miksch (Marnie) of Norton OH and many more loved ones and countless friends.
The family will host a celebration of her life at First United Methodist Church in Batesville on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m., and memorial service will begin immediately after at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Gayle's name to the Family Violence Prevention of Independence County organization (159 W. Main St. Batesville, AR) or to the United Methodist Women's Group (615 E. Main St. Batesville, AR).
Arrangements are under the care of Roller Farmers Union Funeral Home.
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21 Condolence(s)
Donna Dillinger
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Ms.Gayle. She was such a sweetheart and I am so thankful I got to know her. Prayers to all the family. I was one of her caregivers at the Villa.Donna Dillinger
Teresa Loggains
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Missy and Greg: Gayle was my supervisor when I first started working at Lyon! We shared so many wonderful and precious memories! She was always so kind and generous towards me and always made me feel welcome! She saw the good in everyone! May God be with both your families and give u all peace!
Cathy Blackwood
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Deepest sympathies to Missy and family in the loss of Gayle! I met her when we went to St. Louis for a Committee on Nomination training for the North Arkansas Conference of United Methodist Women. She was my roommate for that weekend and we had such a great time getting to know each other. It was a friendship that lasted through all the UMW meetings and Mission u's that we were a part of over the years. You are all in my prayers through the days ahead.
LaDonna Busby
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Missy and Greg - my heart is broken. Gayle was the absolute best! We traveled many miles together for UMW and I never had to worry about a lull in the conversation as Gayle kept it going - and it was all interesting! I only had to worry about arriving safely - your Mom could DRIVE! Loved her so and will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and the grandgirls. LaDonna Busby
Mark Jackson
Monday, April 14, 2025
Dearest Greg and Melissa (Missy)
I was so saddened by this news.
Silby was indeed one incredibly special person. I benefited from years of her guidance and loving care in Youth Group at Batesville FUMHC. I fondly remember her warm smile; her giggle and hearty laugh, as well as her wonderful way of translating challenging life experiences in ways we could understand, as if she was a peer or sibling, she always laughed at our jokes, she made us feel seen, heard and important without feeling entitled to it. She will be missed.
Isabelle Tenace
Monday, April 14, 2025
My condolences to Gail's family. I worked with her in the administration building. She was one sweet lady.
Rob Holyer
Monday, April 14, 2025
I worked with Gayle during my time in administration at Lyon. She was truly a good person and always a breath of fresh air. I know she will be deeply missed by many.
Cheryl Lichti
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Sending my sincerest condolences to the family. Gayle was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Kay Hermansen-Pool
Sunday, April 13, 2025
I was so sorry to hear of Gayle's passing. We worked together at Lyon College. What a wonderful, funny lady! She will be missed by many. Hopefully your lifetime of memories, which are yours to keep forever, will be of comfort to you at this sad time.
With sympathy,
Kay Hermansen-Pool
Carol and Marcus Biard
Sunday, April 13, 2025
We are sorry for your mother’s death. She was a wonderful lady who was ready to help anyone who asked her to.
I knew her for many years and loved her.
Laura Porter
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Missy, you may remember me from choir at 1st church. I worked with Gayle at Lyon. To all the family, I'm so sad. Gayle was such a fine and fun person!
Kay Stice
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Missy and Greg, your mom was a very special lady and a big part of my life during our years together at Lyon. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her. I’ll cherish my memories and laugh often at things we did over the years. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim & Barbara Doyle
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Greg, Leslie, and family,
We were so sorry to read of Greg’s Mother’s death. May our dear Lord comfort you and carry you through this difficult time.
Tim & Barbara Doyle
Peggy Meeker
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Greg and Lesley and Annalee
So very sorry such a great lady
Lisa Kent
Saturday, April 12, 2025
The world is a little dimmer now but her light shines on in all the lives she touched over the years.
Brenda Book-Ward
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Greg and family, Although, I only knew Ms. Gayle for a short time, her smile and laughter will be in my heart forever. Thank you for sharing her with me. God bless each of you.
Meredith Kowalski
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Dearest Melissa, I am so saddened by the loss of your precious Mother.
I wish that I could be there with you right now, by your side, living you as you mourn. I will be praying for you and holding you close in my heart.
I think of my own Mother every day, Miss her more each day. I love you.
Johnny Mitchum
Saturday, April 12, 2025
When I was Vice President at Lyon College, Gayle was my Administrative Assistant. She was THE BEST! While God doesn't need any help, Gayle will be there providing lots of institutional memory and and admin support. Fly high Silby!
Luann Phillips
Friday, April 11, 2025
Missy, Greg and Family,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I will always remember her smile, her kindness (not only to me but also my mom), and her laughter. I pray that God will flood your minds and hearts with many beautiful memories as you adjust to her absence for now.
Love, Luann
Connie Townsley
Friday, April 11, 2025
Gayle was a dear sweet lady. I worked with her for 16 years at Lyon College. She truly dedicated herself to service. Praying for the family
Marcus & Kim Board
Friday, April 11, 2025
Silby was the best! She was always so kind and gracious. We love her and will miss her. May God bless your family during this time of loss.