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Agathia Cheripko

Agathia Lin “Gaye” Paisley Cheripko, 78, of Follansbee, WV, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2021, surrounded by her loving husband of 62 years, Robert; and sons, Rob, Darrell, Brian and Chad, her dedicated care giver.

Gaye attended St Anthony Catholic Church in Follansbee, WV. She was a social worker, by profession and lived a life of giving. She was Director of Social Services and Admissions for Brightwood Center and later retired from the Brooke County Senior Center.

Among her many accomplishments, Gaye received a Regents’ Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on social work from West Liberty University, and an Associates degree with a focus on Applied Science/Culinary Arts from WV Northern Community College. She received the following awards: Outstanding Graduate from WV Northern Community College, graduated Magna Cum Lauda, Presidents List (perfect 4.0) with a Regents’ Bachelor of Arts degree from West Liberty University. She was a two-time cancer survivor and a founding member of the Brooke/Hancock County Relay For Life, where she was a Charter Member, Co-Chair and member of the Registration Committee. She was honored by Brooke/Hancock County Relay For Life as the Grand Marshall of the Relay For Life Parade, was a long standing member of the No Name Bunko Club and Moose Lodge.

Gaye loved her family more than life itself and had a passion for education, cooking, baking, Christmas, swimming in her pool and spending time with her family and friends.

Gaye was born Sept. 5, 1942, in Steubenville, OH, to the late Nicholas and LaVenna “Lee” Rock Paisley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her baby sister, Rendell Paisley; and two brothers, Pete Paisley, and Herman Leone.

She is survived by the love of her life, Robert L. Cheripko; four sons, Rob Cheripko and Angie of Pickerington, OH, Darrell Cheripko and Becky of Darnestown, MD, Brian Cheripko and Geneva Keaton of San Diego, CA, and Chad Cheripko of Follansbee, WV; brother, Fred Leone of Mingo Junction, OH; eight grandchildren, Robbie Cheripko, Jennah Nelson and Ryan, Alexa Cheripko, Brooke Sappington and Kyle, Drew Cheripko, Taylor Cheripko, Morgan Cheripko, and Cole Cheripko; three great- grandchildren, Demi and Reece Nelson and Carter Jean Sappington; and a special family friend considered son No. 5, Mike Vilga; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 27, 2021, from 4-8 p.m., at Reasner Funeral Home, 1515 Charles St., Wellsburg, WV, 26070. Liturgy of the Word Services will be held at 11 a.m., on July 28, 2021, at the funeral home with Fr. Jude Perrara Celebrant. Graveside services will follow at St. John Cemetery, Colliers, WV.

Special memories and online condolences may be shared at ReasnerofWellsburg.com.