Gayle (Morse) West, age 69 years, a resident of rural Cypress, passed away Sunday afternoon, June 25, 2017, at 1:08 PM at St. Louis University Medical Center.
Gayle and her twin brother Dayle were born November 7, 1947 in the Glendale Community in Pope County Illinois to Paul and Missouri (Bowman) Morse.
Gayle was united in marriage to Larry “Gene” West on June 4, 1966 at the Dixon Springs Baptist Church. Gene preceded her in death on February 10, 2017.
Gayle is survived by: her son – Gary (his wife, Nicole) West of Mendota; 2 grandchildren – Cheyenne and Logan West of Mendota; 2 brothers – Dayle Morse of Simpson and Jack Morse of Metropolis; 2 sisters – Kathryn Crowell of Florida and Paula Pike of Montgomery; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Gayle was preceded in death by a son – Larry Christopher West in 1989; a brother – Bill Morse; and 2 sisters – Ruth Hager and Gloria Benavidez.
Gayle was a 1966 graduate of Pope County High School. She had been employed as a machinist by Caterpillar, Inc. at the company’s Montgomery manufacturing facility. Additionally, Gayle had worked for C.T.S.-Knights in Sandwich. After her retirement and return to Southern Illinois to live, Gayle also worked as a cook at “Our Place” in Karnak.
Gayle was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. She and Gene enjoyed fishing together. Gayle was an avid gardener and cherished time spent with her grandchildren.
A service honoring the life of Gayle West will be conducted Saturday morning, July 1, 2017, at 10 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Jay Franklin will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in the Rock Community in Pope County Illinois.
Visitation will be Friday evening, June 30, 2017, from 6 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.
Memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church, 555 Bethany Church Road, Cypress, IL 62923
To share a memory of Gayle or to leave a condolence message for her family, please visit www.baileyfh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.