Gayle Sue Smith

The arts and animal world lost a special person when Gayle Smith passed away on October 11, 2026. 

A lifelong member of the theatre and dance, Gayle inspired, mentored and taught thousands of students over her life. 

Gayle (Swartz) Smith was born September 19, 1947 in Greenville, Ohio. She choreographed and taught dance locally and performed in many dance and theater productions in Dayton and Cincinnati. Continuing to pursue her passion for dance and theatre, Gayle earned her BA from Wright State and Masters from University of Cincinnati and SMU. She was an associate professor of theater/dance at Eastern New Mexico University from 1984-1992. Upon returning to Dayton, she received her STNA and worked at Bethany Village, in addition to continuing her work as a choreographer, director and performer in the local arts. She was currently doing audio description for the blind for DPAA and Dayton Live. 

As an avid animal rights activist, Gayle also worked with the ASPCA and locally SISCA for the protection of animals. She has fostered many pets and worked at TJs Pets on Wheels where she received many positive comments from pet owners. 

Gayle will always be remembered as a caring and thoughtful soul, always sending notes of appreciation, encouragement and recognition of events to all that knew her. 

Gayle is preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Eleanor Swartz, brother Stephen Swartz and sister Carole Incze. 

Surviving Gayle are siblings Melissa (Swartz) Irons, Robin (Swartz) Harris, Chris Swartz, Eric Swartz and Lori (Swartz) Reeder. Gayle also had 8 nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future with details posted on Gayle’s Facebook page. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to donations to the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance.

To share a memory of Gayle or to leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.