Gayle L. Talley

Gayle Lynn Talley, 60, Wichita, KS, passed away May 15, 2018, at Good Shepherd Hospice House, Manhattan, KS, following a short battle with Liver Cancer. Some come and leave this world, with no noticeable impact. This is not the case with Gayle. Whether you loved her or met in passing, you knew you were in the presence of a unique and special woman. Born December 11, 1957, to Robert C. and Patty J. (Cormack/Brassfield) Talley, in Iola, Kansas, Allen County. Gayle lived from childhood to early adulthood in Moran, Kansas. She spent carefree hours tree climbing, bike riding, combing the local junkyard for treasures and hauling them home in her wagon, and swimming in the local rock quarry. She graduated from Marmaton Valley High School in 1975 and later earned a Heating, AC & Refrigeration Mechanic diploma. She married Randy Noel Vanatta, 8/28/1977. The marriage ended in divorce, 8/24/1982. She moved to Wichita, Kansas in 1987. Gayle was employed at Spirit Aerosystems, as one of the few female machinists. She was a member of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers, IAM 839. Over the years, she was employed in several factories, including Berg Mfg., Iola, KS; Klein Tools, Moran, KS; Coleman Company, and Boeing, Wichita, KS. Everywhere she worked, Gayle gave her all and was known an as honest employee, who would work hard and did her best to meet or exceed company expectations. She often broke production records. Gayle was always faithful and generous. It was common for her to assist the homeless, abused (whether animal or mankind) and needy; whether stranger, acquaintance or loved one. In youth, she battled substance abuse. With great resolve, she was able to overcome and was a great encourager of others struggling with addiction. She had no sympathy for those lacking motivation to better their circumstances or put forth the effort to change. She loved animals, especially her beloved dogs and her cat Lahti, who wisely adopted Gayle. She loved nature, 4-wheeling, riding motorcycles, cookouts, festivals, and concerts. She was a devoted daughter. She spent countless hours, at hospital bedsides, and brought her mother into her own home, to care for her. She was the aunt everyone wanted. No matter where she was, she provided comic relief on a regular basis, bringing everyone to tears, doubled over in laughter; leaving us uncaring that we were making fools of ourselves. She was preceded in death by her mother, Patty Jean Talley and great-niece Hailey E. Fletcher. She is survived by her father, Robert C. Talley, and brother, Rick L. Talley, Iola, KS; sister, Claudia L. (L. Leon) Hobson, Manhattan, KS; nieces, Taci L. Fletcher, Daleville , VA, and Deandra M. Audley, Olathe, KS; nephews, Jesse L. Talley, Texarkana, TX; Shane A. Audley, Kansas City, MO; Chad E. Hobson, Houston, TX and step-nephew, Jeremy Breiner, Oklahoma City, OK; great niece, Isabelle G. Fletcher, Daleville, VA; great nephews, Logan P. Fletcher, Noah R. Fletcher and Seth T. Fletcher, Daleville, VA. Gayle set herself, steadfastly, in pursuit of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She struggled with the knowledge she was leaving so many loved ones behind and with enduring her devastating disease. However, she looked with great joy and anticipation, to the day she would enter the gates of Heaven and set her eyes on Jesus and those she loved, who had entered before her. The Celebration of Life service will be held June 9, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., Believers Tabernacle, 2000 S. Hillside, Wichita, KS, Pastor Karen Abbott Officiating and Pastor Bobby Massey assisting. Burial will be in Moran Cemetery, Moran, KS, at a later date. Memorials can be made to either; the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside Street, Wichita, KS 67219 or Homestead, 615 Gillespie Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502.