Gayla Jean Hoover

August 30th 1969 - June 21st 2026

Gayla 56, of Muncie, IN passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends at IU health on June 21st, 2026. She was born on August 30th of 1969 to Larry Johnson and Juanita Pitts.

Gayla was a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother. She was known for the sweet treats she would spend hours in the kitchen making for others. Gayla enjoyed being with her family and friends before she took on an extended illness battling Diabetes. She took great joy in being with her grandchildren. She had many hobbies during her time with us, such as baking, crocheting, shopping, word search books and let's not forget, teasing her hair.

Gayla attended Muncie Central High school where she then graduated with honors in 1988. She had her first child in May of 1989 and 14 months later gave birth to her youngest in September of 1990. She then went on to marry her lifelong love Mark A. Hoover on June 5th of 1993.

Mrs. Hoover is survived by: Her mother Juanita Pitts (Ralph Pitts) both of Clay Center Kansas. Her husband Mark A. Hoover of Muncie. Evelyn Hoover (Mother In-Law) of Muncie. Her two daughters: Ashley Johnson of Muncie and Jamie Billiter (William Billiter) both of Muncie. Along with a bonus son Justin Carter of Muncie. Five grandchildren: Braxtyn, Jaedyn, Alivia, Jase and Kinsley. Two brother's: Hoyt Johnson and Danny Johnson. Two sisters: Lairi Cooper and Larryn Barnhouse. Along with several nieces and nephews and two lifelong friends, Robin Fields and Tabatha Mohler/Cheney.

Mrs. Hoover was preceded in death by: Wilbur D. Johnson (Grandfather)

Eera I. Johnson (Grandmother)

Larry D. Johnson (Father)

Carl Hoover (Father In-law)

Linda Johnson Stoneburner (Aunt)

Ashley Bacon (Cousin)

Joe Lambert (Family Friend)

A funeral service will be held at 4:30 pm on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Elm Ridge Funeral Home in Muncie. Friends may visit with the family from 3:30 pm until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home.