VALEDA — Gayle Vail, 62, of Valeda, Kansas, passed away on Feb. 1, 2026.
Born Sept. 2, 1963, in Oswego, Kansas, to Archie and JoAnn McElroy, Gayle grew up in Bartlett, Kansas, and graduated from Labette County High School.
Gayle lived boldly and unapologetically. She was strong-willed, spirited, and confident in her convictions. She did what she wanted, when she wanted, and how she wanted. If you questioned her plan, she would simply smile and say, “Trust me.” It became one of her signature phrases and more often than not, she was right.
She loved hosting gatherings and opening her home to family and friends. Her kitchen was often the heart of celebrations, filled with laughter, stories, and good food. She took pride in caring for those around her and had a way of making people feel welcome.
Gayle believed in doing things her way. Laundry had a process, dishes had a rhythm, and everything had a method she had perfected over the years. She carried that same confidence into every part of her life.
She loved adventure and traveling across the United States, especially road trips. Some of her favorite memories were traveling across the country with her daughter, mapping out stops along the way and turning every mile into part of the story. Whether it was a rental car or a hot rod, she loved the journey as much as the destination.
Faith was woven into her childhood, raised attending church several times a week. As she grew older, she honored the meaningful moments of the season.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and JoAnn McElroy; Danny Vail, with whom she shared many years of her life; her sister Judith Renee; her brothers James Dale and twins David Ray and Daniel Roy; and her granddaughter, Mia Cole.
Gayle is survived by her children: Bryan Vail and Erica Vanderveen of Lenexa, Kansas; Sadie Vail and Derek O’Day of Castro Valley, California; and Thomas and Jennifer Vail of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson; her brothers Lonnie McElroy, Bill McElroy, and George McElroy; and her sister Mary Hayward.
A rosary and funeral service will be held at Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego, Kansas, on February 28 at 9:30 a.m., with graveside services at Lake Creek Cemetery immediately following. A luncheon will follow at the Edna Community Senior Center, where family and friends are invited to gather and share memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests plants in her memory. Mom loved her plants, and the family would like to continue that tradition in her honor.
Gayle will be remembered for her strength, her laughter, and the fierce love she had for her family.
