Gayle L. Garretson

Gayle Garretson passed away on October 17, 2022 at Stormont-Vail Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Gayle was born on April 20, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas as David and Helen Garretson's first child. After graduating from Topeka High School in 1965, she attended Washburn University and worked at Sears as a part-time manager in several departments. Gayle was always up for trying new things and that was reflected in her work record. She was employed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, TruGreen in the office, recruiting students for a community college, and Breakthrough before finally finding her true calling while working for Valeo Behavioral Health as a mental health tech in crisis diversion services and as a trainer. After retirement she continued to help others bring out their inner strengths and resolve to rise above adversity. In-home caregiving was also a blessing from Gayle to others.

Gayle was married to Dwight Pokorny from 1968 to 2001. While traveling through Dwight's work, they shared wonderful adventures…some of her most cherished memories. Their years together while Dwight worked in L.A. were like being on an extended vacation. They took great pleasure in entertaining visiting relatives and friends, eager to show off their favorite spots and experiences. When they moved back to Topeka, their neighbor Dutch became a significant part of their lives. They cherished their deep friendship and the fun they "cooked up" together but also the privilege of caregiving when Dutch faced health challenges. Dutch's great-grandson Zak was like a grandson to Gayle. The door was always open for him and she loved spoiling him and sharing in all his activities and interests, ups and downs. Gayle was creative in ways to have fun and made life interesting!

Preceding Gayle in death were her father Dave and brother Brian. She is survived by her mother Helen Garretson, sister Marti (Dennis) Bass, brother Phil (Lynna) Garretson and special nieces and nephews…all near and dear to her heart.

Gayle had some final thoughts as she sensed her end was nearer than expected: she received so many blessings in life, starting with family and friends. Her dad always taught her to never wish one day of life away, to stay positive from sun-up to sun-down, and to always have God by your side. "My mother was a saint – very loving, supportive and nurturing." Gayle never took for granted Mom's excellent care of her surviving and recovering from rheumatic fever in first grade, while also caring for her four year old and infant son, homeschooling Gayle and holding playdates to maintain friendships. Our neighbor April "was like a sister – an OLDER sister – throughout the 'team Gayle' efforts." Gayle was so grateful for her "dream team" medical staff at Stormont for the past month. They supported her with expert and compassionate care in each challenging stage of her battle with cancer. They couldn't resist Gayle's magnetic personality and zest for life, so they were often in her room to just enjoy each other's company or a beautiful sunset. "So many caring individuals made moving forward to my permanent home in Heaven easier to accept and bear."

"This was not my end, but my new beginning. My abiding love is with you all. Bon voyage! I'll see you on the other side."

Please join Gayle's family in remembering what you admire most about Gayle and in following her example so her light from using her God-given gifts continues to shine brightly.

Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.

To share a special memory of Gayle or to leave a message of condolence for Gayle's family, please visit the guestbook below.