She was born November 5, 1932, in Fitchville, Ohio, to Edward and Elizabeth (Fannin) Elliott. She is preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Vaughn Clayton Gayheart; a son, Randall Ray Gayheart; and nine brothers and sisters.
Blonda has a daughter, Katrina Hope Peery whom she has resided with for over the last 27 years; a granddaughter, Heather Elizabeth Walker and her husband, Troy Walker; and three great-grandchildren, Aurelia Hope Walker, Orin Chad Walker and Elliott Cole Walker…the lights of her life!
Blonda was an extraordinary lady…a friendly, outgoing, kind person that loved people, but her family and the Lord always came first and, of course, working in the church. She started playing the piano (self taught) at around 6 years old for her pastor father in his church. At 12 years old she asked him if she could start a Sunday school for the little ones which she soon turned over to a niece. She then taught a Bible class for teens and young couples which grew to 40 or more.
Blonda mastered the piano and organ, took lessons and formed a choir and orchestra which she directed. She was also the Secretary-Treasurer of the church and Ladies group. She did all of this for over 60 years, assisting five subsequent pastors...all while working jobs.
She graduated from Mansfield Business College and was a private secretary at the Columbia Gas Company and the Bissman Company. Blonda bought and sold a lot of income properties so then she decided to become a real estate broker. She owned her own successful company, “Heart Realty”, in Mansfield and Tampa, Florida, for 36 years.
Blonda’s life and legacy resonates with hundreds of people because she possessed those “gifts of the spirit”. She ran the race and fought a good fight and a crown of life is truly laid up for her.
Rest in peace, beloved saint. We will miss you but you will not be forgotten and we will strive to see you again!
The funeral service conducted by her daughter, Katrina H. Peery, will begin at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. She will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery, New Haven, Ohio.
