Indianola, Illinois - Gayle Edna Spesard entered eternal life on Friday, June 16, 2023, surrounded by all her children and son-in-law Ferron Switzer with their deep love for 'Mom'. She was 87 years old. Gayle was a resident of The Villas of Holly Brook, Danville, Illinois.

Gayle was the second of four children to William Alva and Caroline Cord Larrance. She was born at their Indianola Illinois home on October 17, 1935. As a child, Gayle and her three sisters shared many of the responsibilities in running a household upon the passing of their mother. Gayle loved books and learning. She graduated from Indianola High School as Class of 1953 Valedictorian. Gayle continued her education at Purdue University but would later transfer to MacMurray College to be nearer to the love of her life, Howard Gene Spesard. Gene and Gayle were married September 25, 1955. Together, they formed a lifelong bond. They traveled the entire United States and even abroad. These adventures were afforded in part by Gene's career choice to serve our country in the U.S. Air Force. About every three years, Gene was assigned to a different base and Gayle would follow with their three children Bruce, Karen, and Althea. They have lived in Illinois, Arizona, California, Okinawa, Texas, and Delaware. Besides being a mother, housekeeper, and wife, Gayle worked outside of the home. Businesses/institutions known locally include Kraft, VoTec, and Hyster.

Following 22 years of military life, Gene & Gayle returned to their childhood roots where Gene & his brother John farmed for many years. Upon their eventual retirement, Gene & Gayle continued to travel the contiguous U.S. via their fifth wheel Recreational Vehicle. They especially enjoyed overwintering in Florida with their snowbird friends. Gene and Gayle were married for 55 years at Gene's passing in 2011.

Gayle is survived by her children Bruce (Sandy) Spesard, Washington, Missouri; Karen (Ferron) Switzer, Paris, Illinois; and Althea (Wayne) Ramsbottom, Rishton, England. She has five grandchildren Jorie (Eric) Moeller, Washington, Missouri; Carey (Megan) Spesard, Mission, Kansas; Tamisha (Justin) Corbin, Indianola, Illinois; Ryan Ramsbottom, Rishton, England; and Greg (Caroline) Ramsbottom, Clayton-Le-Moore, England and seven great-grandchildren Keagan, Charley & Harper Moeller, Emmalynn & Lorelai Corbin, Phoebe Ramsbottom, and Faye Ramsbottom.

Gayle was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Eastern Star, and the Ridge Farm United Methodist Church. She was also active in the Indianola Alumni Association and the Indianola Historical Society. Gayle loved to read and to research genealogy. She created wonderful memory books for each of her children in which she utilized her genealogical findings to create paternal and maternal family trees. Gayle enjoyed and was quite good at ceramics, canvas painting, sewing, knitting, and counted cross stitch. During her lifetime she also created many wonderful quilts and Swedish weaving throws.

Gayle will be remembered with love for her picture perfect meals & mouth-watering pies, her feisty personality, and the giggles & laughter she shared with her very close friend and sister, Nita Winkler.

Gayle's family invites you to join them at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois. Pastor David Almy and Reverend Eric Moeller will officiate. Visitation is from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery of Indianola. The Indianola United Methodist Church will host a luncheon afterwards. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Ridge Farm United Methodist Church and/or Woodlawn Cemetery Association of Indianola, Illinois are greatly appreciated. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.