Gayle Ann (Strayer) Kolivras

Gayle Ann Strayer Kolivras, born May 5, 1944, slipped away peacefully at home in Dillsburg, PA, surrounded by loved ones on May 8, 2026. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, William and Verna Strayer. She is greatly missed by her husband of 63 years, Nickolas Kolivras, her daughters Krysten Ann Kolivras Simmons and husband Don, Korine Nicole Kolivras and partner Jeremy, and her nephew Spiro Kolivras, whom she raised as a son for several years of his childhood. Her grandchildren Zakary and Lukas Shannon were the light of her life and carry forward many of Gayle’s greatest qualities, and they deeply feel this loss. She is also greatly missed by her sister Marlene Strayer Stiffler, many beloved nieces, nephews, and their spouses and children, and other important friends and family too numerous to list.

Gayle was a devoted mother who was deeply committed to her children and grandchildren. She was immensely proud and supportive of every small or big accomplishment, and always available to share advice and love. She also took great joy in helping others feel their best as she worked as a hair stylist and beautician in the salon she owned and operated for over 55 years. She truly enjoyed working with young people as she taught part-time at a cosmetology school, training the next generation of stylists. Giving back to her community was important, and Gayle served as treasurer and council member of St. John’s Franklin Church, of which she was a lifelong member, a 4-H leader when her daughters were members, a pet caregiver at the Helen O. Krause Animal Foundation, a docent at Dill’s Tavern, and a trip organizer and leader for the Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society.

While she always loved returning to her roots in southcentral Pennsylvania, Gayle was an avid traveler, having visited all fifty states, several Canadian provinces, and a number of other countries. Bethany Beach, Delaware, which she visited nearly annually with friends and family for over 50 years, was an especially special place to her. Despite her enjoyment of travel, she loved nothing more than sitting on her porch with family, watching a thunderstorm roll by.

In lieu of flowers, Gayle and family would welcome contributions in her honor and memory to two causes that were particularly important to her: the Helen O. Krause Animal Foundation and the Northern York County Historical & Preservation Society. A casual, open house-style Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday May 21 from 2:30-5:00pm at Dill’s Tavern, 227 N. Baltimore St., Dillsburg; we welcome those gathered to share memories of Gayle beginning at 3:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue which is Gayle's favorite color. The world is a better place because Gayle Strayer Kolivras was a part of it, and she is missed greatly as her loved ones carry her beautiful spirit forward.