Joan Olmstead Gay, longtime resident of Ridgefield, CT, died peacefully at The Greens at Cannondale in Wilton, on Friday, March 7. She was 91 years old. Joan was born on June 10, 1933 to Charles E. and Ruth Josephine Bristol Olmstead. She lived in Wilton for all of her childhood. Joan was predeceased by the love of her life, Ralph H. Gay, whom she married on October 8, 1955. They then built their family home in Ridgefield where they raised their 2 children, and welcomed 4 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Prior to marriage, Joan worked as a Telephone Operator, which she loved. She always excitedly told of the time she connected Roy Rogers' phone call! Joan was a homemaker, lovingly caring for her family. Joan and Ralph also unconditionally cared for their extended family and friends over their 66 years of marriage.

Joan most enjoyed cooking & baking, knitting, bowling, playing piano & the accordion, and playing many types of card games.

Joan was a lifetime member (77 years) of the Cannon Grange No. 152 in WIlton, having joined at the age of 14.

Joan is survived by her children Jerry Gay (Patricia) and Diane Strickrodt; grandchildren Kevin Gay (Hilary) and their son Graham, Lynn Strickrodt and her sons Charles, Nathaniel, and Thomas, Brian Strickrodt (Cathy) and their daughter Tilly, Katherine Gay (William Smith), Mark Strickrodt, sister Lois Vandenbos, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 12, at 11 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery, 165 Ridgefield Road, Wilton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's name to the Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association (RVNA), Attn: Development Office, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877. To offer the family online condolences, please visit www.boutonfuneralhome.com