Anita “Gaye” Spencer Deputy, 88, of Stephens City, VA beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to so many passed away peacefully on Monday, November 20th with family by her side. She is preceded in death by her parents William Lester and Ann Elizabeth Spencer, and brother John Marvin Spencer of Harrisonburg, VA.

She is survived by her loving family…Jack and their three daughters…Julia Lynn (Paul) Griswold of Victor, NY, Sharon Ann (Mark) Balestrini of Henrietta, NY, and Jacqueline Gaye (Warren) Miller of Stephens City, VA. She is survived by eight grandchildren…Brenden, Ashley, Brittney, Austin, Madison, Stephen, Jeffrey, Jared and was also blessed with six great-grandchildren.

Raised in Harrisonburg, Gaye moved to New York City after graduation and worked at an advertising firm. She returned to Virginia, married Jack and they started their family which took them to Florida and Upstate New York. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters.

Later in life, Gaye took a position at Project Hope at the Millwood, VA campus where she remained until her retirement. She enjoyed the interaction with her co-workers and team members around the world. She was energetic, fun-loving, kind and nurturing. To say she was a people person was an understatement! She was very loyal to her family and friends. She enjoyed being part of her grandchildren’s activities, going to movies, reading, and gardening. She had a strong faith in God.

Even when her life was disrupted by Alzheimer’s, she remained kind and loving.

To the staff and residents at Lynn Care – you were a second family and the care you provided is deeply appreciated. Thank you to Blue Ridge Hospice for their comforting care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, Winchester, VA. Visitation will be at 5 pm followed by the memorial service at 6 pm. Reception to follow. Interment at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gaye’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (alzfdn.org) or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601 or a charity of your choice.