S. Gayle (Smith) Thomas age 80, died July 25, 2024, at her home in Hutchinson, Kansas. She was born February 16, 1944, in Emporia, Kansas, to Charles Kenneth (C.K.) and Selma Beth (Kassens) Smith.
Gayle graduated from Ottawa High School in 1962 and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.S.E.) from Kansas State Teachers College (KSTC), now Emporia State University, in 1966. She made a career in banking and retired in 1999 from Bank of America, Hutchinson.
Gayle met her husband, Don, in their Freshman year at KSTC in 1962. They were married August 29, 1965 and shared almost 56 years of marriage before his death in 2021. Both Don and Gayle were members of Journey Mennonite Church, South Hutchinson.
Gayle and Don delighted in their son, Scott, who was born in 1970.
Gayle loved piano music and playing her piano, especially gospel and classical music. She enjoyed reading and taking care of her family. Gayle and Don had fun traveling together and riding in the 1957 Ford Fairlane convertible that Don restored.
Gayle is survived by “son” Cameron and “daughter” Jeanne Peirce; “grandsons” Connor Peirce (Courtney) and Hayden Peirce; nephew Dwight Smith; niece Lori Magaña; granddaughter Maya, as well as her Highland Drive friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dennis, husband Don and son Scott.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Elliott Mortuary, with Pastor Joshua Haver officiating. Entombment will follow in the Fairlawn Burial Park Mausoleum. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with the family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
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Memorials are suggested to Journey Mennonite Church, South Hutchinson or Cause for Paws, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.