Gayle Moore, 98, of What Cheer, died Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the Manor House Care Center in Sigourney. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am on Friday, November 3, 2023 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer. Visitation will be held Thursday November 2, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Burial will be in the White Oak Presbyterian Cemetery near Thornburg.

Gayle was born May 16, 1925 in Fairfield, Iowa to Theron and Margaret (Merwin) Erickson.   She was the eldest of her three siblings, Duane, Yvonne, and Francis.  She enjoyed helping her father in the service station he owned as she grew up and gained her independence there.  After high school, Gayle attended Parsons College in Fairfield where she earned her teaching degree.  She met William C. Moore during her first teaching position in Thornburg, Iowa.  They were married May 19, 1951.  The couple raised three children, Connie, Chuck and Colleen, and lived happily on their farm and in the Thornburg area until their passing.

Gayle was extremely passionate about education.  She taught high school English for many years and then went back to school to further her education after having her three children.  She then became the Librarian at Tri-County Community School for the remainder of her career.  After retirement, she spent her time active in the church, tended her flowers, made many quilts, and volunteered with Hospice, all while watching her grandchildren and attending their many events.  She was very proud of each and every one of them.  She loved participating at the fair and helping organize horticulture events.  She encouraged all of her children and grandchildren to participate as well and taught them many skills they can use lifelong.

Survivors include two children: Chuck Moore of What Cheer, and Colleen (Jeff) Lancial of Williamsburg: nine grandchildren: William (Kelly) Kapple of Delta, Beth Steadham of Houston, TX, Katie (Joey) Conrad of Delta, Dustin (Jessica) Moore of Solon, Taylor (CJ) Russell of Oskaloosa, Jackie (Tyler) Woodsmall of North Liberty, Tyler (Mary) Shipley of Belton, MO, Tessa (Dillon) Horning of Fairfield, and Tate Shipley of Williamsburg; Twelve great-grandchildren: Hunter and Dillon Kapple, Alyssa and Landon Conrad, Jax, Olivia, Lincoln and Griffin Moore, Colby and Luke Russell, Eilah Shipley and Bentley Horning.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, husband William C. Moore, daughter Connie Kapple, and 2 grandson's Ross and Chris Kapple.