Gay Marie Reinert

Gay was a kind, compassionate, and generous woman with a genuine heart for others. Caring for people was simply part of who she was. She had a giving spirit, a beautiful sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a way of making those around her feel loved.

A proud second-generation Italian American and raised in the Catholic faith, Gay carried her faith, compassion, and commitment to serving others throughout her life. She worked at Michigan State University for more than 40 years and was a longtime and beloved member of the greater Lansing community. She served with the Guardian Angels of Lansing and volunteered with Meals on Wheels for many years, always finding ways to help others.

Gay was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Reinert; her brother, Steven Bartshe; and her parents, Thomas and Mary Bartshe.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Anita- Moyses Koonter (Troy) and Laura Moyses-Cook (David); her brother Phillip Bartshe, (Ginny);her stepson, Mike Reinert (Pam); her grandchildren, Keith Koonter (Dani), Erica Cook (Corey), Klinton Koonter (Kristin), Kevin Koonter (Tanya), and Ryan Cook (Ashlee); and her great-grandchildren, Wyatt Cook-Woods, Kylie Cook, and River Cook.

Gay cherished her family above all else. She loved family gatherings, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, bowling, playing cards, reading, camping, taking walks, listening to Elvis Presley and music from the 1950s and 1960s, and simply enjoying life’s little adventures. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and willingness to give the shirt off her back to someone in need.

Her memory will live on through the family she loved so dearly, the friends whose lives she touched, and the countless acts of kindness she gave so freely.

“Though her chair may now be empty, the love she brought to her family will always remain.”

Visitation ~

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Gay at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, Michigan, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 pm.

A private family graveside service will be held the following day.