Gayle E. Whipple

Gayle Elline Whipple, 85, of Galesburg, died at 12:26 a.m. Thursday, May 13, 2021 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.  Gayle was born March 2, 1936 in Blue Jacket, OK, the daughter of Elmon Kelley and Mary Pauline (Thornburg) Crownover.  She married Gary Lee Whipple on July 30, 1955 in Miami, OK.  Gayle is survived by her husband of 65 years, Gary of Galesburg; two sons, Brett (Jackie) Whipple and Justin Whipple both of Galesburg; one daughter, Donna (Ed) Coulter of Arvada, CO, one sister, Mary Kay (Mike) Johnson of Marion, ND; nine grandchildren; and fifteen great grandchildren.  Along with her parents, Gayle was preceded in death by one son, Harlan; two daughters, Sherry Whipple and Laurie Larkin; one brother, Elson Crownover; and two sisters, Janet Gustafson and Aleta Carmack. She enjoyed bird watching, tending to her garden, and taking care of others.  She loved her family and always put the needs of others before her own.  Gayle worked at Caterpillar in Peoria and while living in Colorado, she worked as an eye dr. assistant. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 21, 2021 at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg.  No visitation will be held.  Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.