Gytha Newell Rusk McNair, 88, of Dayton passed away Sunday, December 23, 2018 in Kingwood, Texas. She was born July 28, 1930 to parents, David and Newell Muckleroy Rusk in Goose Creek, Texas and had lived in Dayton since 1964. Mrs. McNair received her Bachelor Degree from University of Houston and her Master’s Degree from Stephen F. Austin University. She was very proud to be a member of the Daughters of Republic of Texas where she served as Chaplain General for the State Board of Officers. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Mrs. McNair was a long time employee of Dayton Independent School District, teaching 6th grade from 1966 until 1981 and principal of Colbert Elementary School where she worked until her retirement in 1990. She was inducted to the DISD Wall of Fame in 2005.
Memorial service for Mrs. McNair will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 29, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in Dayton, Texas. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Rusk, James Rusk, Ray Rusk, Geren Rusk, David Sanford, Rink Sanford, Derek Evans and Harold Wagers.
Gytha was preceded in death by parents; husband of 59 years, Asa “B” McNair; daughter, Karen McNair Fosburgh; and siblings, Evelyn, Cecil, Benny, Anthony, and Marilyn. She is survived by sons, Mark Asa McNair and wife Jerri, Benjamin Craig McNair and wife Lisa; grandchildren, David, Molly, Paula, Matthew, Kristen, Erin, Meredith, Claire, Emily and Katie; great-grandchildren, Adryan, Caitlin, Taelor, Lexi, Luke, and Charlie; sister, Aileen Evans; numerous nieces, nephews, many loved family and friends.
For those who desire memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or Jones Public Library, 801 South Cleveland, Dayton, Texas 77535.