Gayle Arlene "Lady" Gillet, 84, passed away Thursday morning, April 4, 2019 at her home in Tangelo Grove with Della by her side. Gayle was a lifelong resident of Coldwater, KS until her husband Clarence of 59 years passed away and she moved to Phoenix, AZ, to be close to her girls, their husbands and her wonderful grandkids.

Born September 13, 1934, in Comanche County Hospital, to parents Milton S. and Icle E. (Sunderland) Nokes, she was their second child. She will be greatly missed by her two daughters: Quann Kuhl and her husband John, and Ledella von Dorn and her husband James, all of Phoenix, AZ; special brother and sister: Bob and Lois Hoffman of Wichita, KS; two grandsons: Dameon Kuhl and his wife Kristina, and Jeremy Kuhl and his wife Page, all of Phoenix, AZ; two great grandchildren: Jack Rodriguez Kuhl of Las Cruces, NM and Madelynn Quann Kuhl of Phoenix, AZ; nephews and nieces: Dennis Byram (Carole) of Coldwater, KS, Bonnie McLean (Barry) of Protection, KS, Valerie Vosburg (Stu) of Mulvane, KS, Mark Nokes (Lisa) of Chicago, IL, Cheryl Fuller (Edd) of Emporia, KS, Gladys Neighbors (Kasey) of Cape Girardeau, MO, Milton Nokes of Topeka, KS and Stephen Nokes (Mia) of Joplin, MO and many great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Clarence; her son Theodore (Thede): her brother Russell Nokes and many friends.

Gayle graduated from Coldwater High School in 1952. She and a group of friends were famous for driving her Crosley on the sidewalks and generally having a good time. Gayle married Clarence Gillet October 20, 1952, in a Presbyterian parsonage in Albuquerque, NM. Gayle was a stay at home mom until her daughters went to Kindergarten but was always there to help her mom and dad at the City Cleaners, working in the shop or delivering clothes.

Gayle first worked at Warren's Department Store as a clerk and later began cooking at Comanche County Hospital, eventually becoming head cook. She received her certification from the Dietary Manager Association and served as President of the West District Dietary Managers. In 1962 she earned a Dale Carnegie Effective Public Speaking certificate. She left the hospital for a position with the Coldwater School District, received her American School Food Service Association certification and became head cook at Coldwater High, retiring only after an injury to her back. Gayle loved being around kids and always participated in holiday and school activities.

Gayle served as Worthy Matron for the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #224 with her father Milton Nokes serving as her Worthy Patron. She then was the chapter secretary for years. She became a 50-year member and in 2018 received her 65-year certificate of membership.

Gayle became President of The Modern Homemakers H.D.U in January 1959. She served on the Prairie Plaza Board and was a longtime member of the American Legion and served as president for American Legion Auxiliary.

Gayle was baptized in the Presbyterian Church and remained a member until the church closed. She taught Sunday School and helped with vacation bible school. Gayle designed and hand stitched beautiful quilts, wall hangings, and the wedding quilt she made for one of her grandsons survived the 2007 Greensburg tornado. She was an avid crafter, always had several projects in the works and was never without a good book beside her chair. Gayle sent hundreds of cards to friends and family over the years and yes, usually containing confetti! She collected hundreds of earrings and loved beautiful clothes. Gayle and Clarence took family vacations once a year and when the kids moved to Phoenix, they made multiple trips throughout the years to visit, always with side trips to the Casinos along the way.

Gayle was happy in her Phoenix home, but she missed her Coldwater family and friends. There was a special place in her heart for the Tangelo Grove girls who cared for her over the last four years. Gayle's great granddaughter, Maddie visited her on Sundays and one of their favorite pastimes was a vigorous game of inside wheelchair catch. If that got them in trouble with Maddie's Nana, Quann, their next go-to was Shopkins Bingo, Princess Dominos or the Hatchimals board game. Gayle missed her friends in Coldwater.

Calling times are from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, April 11, 2019 at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

Funeral service is at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 12,2019 at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, with Rev. Virgil White presiding. Burial will follow the funeral service at Coldwater's Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Pioneer Lodge or Comanche County Hospital in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.