Gay Beth Moore-Briggs, 86, passed away on October 21, 2022 at Presbyterian Manor of the Plains in Dodge City following a lengthy health battle. She was born on November 13, 1935, in Bloomington, Kansas, the daughter of Otto and Helen (Smith) Fritche.
She was raised in Osborne County. After completing high school, Gay Beth went on to further her education at Fort Hays State University, earning her BS in education. She married Don Moore of Copeland. To this union, three children were born, Dale, Doug, and Vicki. Soon after, she began her career as a teacher in the local school system, a career that spanned 44 years.
A community leader over that same four decades, Gay Beth was active in Haskell County 4-H and Kansas Farm Bureau. She was known for constantly educating youth and adults alike, whether it be English or math or simply how to strive for success.
In 1985, she became good friends with a colleague, Robert (Bob) Briggs. They were married on June 10, 1990, at the Copeland Christian Church. They enjoyed traveling after retirement, spending time in Arizona during the winter months. Gay Beth enjoyed following her grandchildren’s activities.
Gay Beth is survived by her three children: Dale and Faith Moore of Fredrick, Maryland, Doug and Shannon Moore of Pittsburg, Oklahoma, and Vicki and Troy Hesser of Louisburg; four step-children Rhonda and Galen Berry of Port Aransas, Texas, Melinda Fikan of Colby, Rodney and Michelle Briggs of Independence, Missouri, and Troy Briggs and Sarah Rains of Sublette; a sister, Ruth and Don Wyckoff of Norman, Oklahoma; 13 grandchildren, Dustin Moore (Amy), Michael Moore (Elena), Cutter Moore (Lea), Blade Moore (Remi), Stephanie Unruh (Jeff), Brigit Hesser (Emma Hofer), Alicia Siruta (Jason), Bradley Fikan (Shannon), Meredith Castor (Charles), Amy Briggs, Stacy Briggs, Brooke and Bailey Briggs and their mother, Tiffany Briggs; 24 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob Briggs, and husband, Don Moore
Funeral service will be held at Sublette Christian Church on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 10:30 AM with Pastor Doug Harris presiding. Burial will follow at Copeland Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Sublette on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, from noon to 8:00 PM.
Memorials are suggested to the Copeland Methodist Church, Copeland UMW, or Haskell County EMS-Lockport Station in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.