Dr. Gail June Rymer

Rymer

Dr. Gail June Rymer, nee Grossenbaugh, passed away on May 18, 2026. She was born on June 7, 1949, daughter of Edna (Mason) and Clifford Grossenbaugh. She was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, along with her sister Evelyn Clifton.

Following high school, Gail went on to Ohio University where she earned her bachelor’s degree and later at age forty, her doctorate in psychology.

On September 18, 1969, she married Donald Rymer, the love of her life whom she shared 56 years of marriage. Together they raised two daughters, Dr. Dawn Rymer and Dr. Lesley Rymer Sills and was grand-mother to Madeline Sills, who is studying to be a forensic accountant. Gail highly valued education and was so proud of the accomplishments of her daughters and granddaughter.

On March 8, 1977, Gail established a private counseling practice which continued until her retirement in 2024. Much of her practice focused on services to the elderly in which she advocated for quality of life for older adults. She helped start the Southeast Ohio Elder Abuse Coalition. She was also part of the attorney general’s Elder Justice Unit as a board member. She was quoted as saying, “I hope that I have, in some way, touched the lives of others by my actions and words so they might know the spirit of love, I know that I have walked with many as they struggled, and I was fortunate to see many blossom.”

Community engagement was paramount to Gail. Dr. Rymer was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for her work with the elderly and abused. “She helped many in her community feel loved, feel valued and to remain engaged with the world and people around them in a very positive way.” She was given recognitions by the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives for her lifetime of work when she was inducted.

Gail and her husband were members of First Presbyterian Church in Parkersburg, WV. She also pastored Hughes River Presbyterian Church in Cairo, WV where she cared deeply about that church community which brought her great joy.

Remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, Gail touched the lives of many in countless ways and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Gail is predeceased by her daughter, Dr. Dawn Rymer, as well as, parents and other relatives and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held on May 28, 2026 at Leavitt Funeral Home in Belpre, Ohio. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm followed by a service at 2:00pm with Pastor Annie McMillan officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to any organization that supports the elderly.