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Obituary: Gary R. Mavis, 81, Lyons Falls
Published: July 16, 2026
By: Provided by
Schepp Family Funeral Homes
Gary R. Mavis
December 3, 1944 - July 12, 2026
 Gary R. Mavis, 81, of Lyons Falls, NY,
passed away peacefully on July 12 after a vibrant life full of love and
laughter. His wife, Rosita, and daughter, Elizabeth, were by his side.
Gary was born on
December 3, 1944 in Angola, IN, as a son to Adrian
and Margaret and big brother to Leslie and Stan. Gary’s family moved
numerous times during his youth, but Auburn, Indiana, was always called
home. After graduating from Auburn High School, he attended Bradley
University in Peoria, Illinois, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English, reinforcing his lifelong
love of reading, writing and storytelling.
Gary dedicated
almost 30 years to a career as a high school English teacher, spending the majority of his career with the South Lewis Central
School District. Mr. Mavis was known for his sense of humor and love of
reading with an endless drive to inspire his students to fill their lives
with the same. Every outing in Lewis County undoubtedly led to being
stopped by former students to reminisce, share stories, or simply connect.
School breaks didn’t stop Gary. He filled his free time with building and
creating, often with the help of trusted friends and colleagues. Endless
hours were devoted to expanding the family home, designing magical
treehouses, or just tinkering in his workroom. Gary’s creative streaks knew
no bounds.
Earlier in life,
Gary was married to Ruth (Klock) Mavis for 28 years, traveling the country
with friends in their Land Cruiser before raising two daughters, Elizabeth
Mavis of New York, NY, and Emily Mavis of Clay, NY. As a father he was
above all funny, loving, and full of character-building lessons through
maple sugaring, lawn mowing, wood stacking, and more. He taught his
children the values of kindness, curiosity, and persistence. Time together
was full of reading, imagining, and laughing, always finding ways to make
life more colorful and playful. Gary was a fierce advocate for his
daughters and for the rights of people with disabilities.
After retiring
from teaching, Gary became a true cycling enthusiast, pedaling his way
across the country and beyond. Gary’s travels eventually led him to
reconnect with Rosita Stolp, whom he first met during his college days. He
moved to Germany to be together in her hometown of Kiel and married soon
after. A few years later, Gary returned to Lyons Falls, NY, with Rosita,
where they quickly re-established deep roots. Working with Lyons Falls
ALIVE, they started and managed the village’s Farmers’ Market for seven
years, in between home restoration projects. From train rooms to sledding
runs to basement portraits, Gary had a special knack for drawing others
into his passion projects, including family, friends, and former students
alike.
Gary’s quick wit,
dry sense of humor, and creativity will be deeply missed by all who knew
and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Rosita
Mavis; his daughters, Elizabeth Mavis and Emily Mavis, as well as their
mother, Ruth (Klock) Mavis; and his siblings, Leslie (Mavis) Oniki and Stan Mavis. He was preceded in death by his
parents, Adrian and Margaret (Imus) Mavis.
A celebration of
Gary’s life will be held at a later date.
For guest book, please visit:
www.SCHEPPFAMILY.com
EATON-TUBBS
Fayetteville 315-637-3214
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