Gayle L. Smith, Ph.D.

Gayle L. Smith, Ph.D of Dalton, passed away on July 29, 2018. Born on July 5, 1946 on Long Island, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Franklin and Doris (Victores) Leppin. She is survived by David Woodyatt, her loving husband of almost 22 years.

Gayle graduated from West Hempstead High School, then earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Denver. She went on to earn her master's degree and doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Gayle was the consummate educator. She was a professor of 19th century American literature at Penn State Scranton for 33 years. In addition, she was an accomplished writer who had her works published in Emerson Society Papers and the Concord Saunterer. Gayle had a love for all animals, but held a special fondness for cats.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by daughter, Amanda Smith Froling and her husband, Jim, West Bloomfield, Mich. She is also survived by granddaughters, Kate and Kara Froling.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Peter Cognetti and the staff of Allied Services Hospice, who took loving care of Gayle in her final days.

A funeral service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. from the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St.,  Clarks Summit, Pa . Interment will follow at the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Waverly.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the donor's favorite animal charity.