D. Gayle Behymer, 77, of Galesburg, passed away at 6:05 p.m. Thursday, December 28, 2023 at her home.
Born on October 19, 1946, to the late John Kenneth Hill and Lorraine Schaedler in Colorado Springs, Colorado. When her father John died, she was later raised by Lorraine and adopted father, Jimmie Cooke. Gayle was reared and educated in Colorado, graduating from Durango High School. After graduating, she married the love of her life, Jackie Lee Behymer on September 25, 1965 in Tucson, Arizona. He preceded her in death on January 1, 2008.
Left to cherish Gayle’s memory is one son, Ronald L. (Shari) Behymer of Muscatine, Iowa; one daughter, Patti D. Behymer of Victoria, Illinois; five grandchildren: Miranda (Dennis), Colin, Whitney, Deven, and Jaxson; and five great-grandchildren: Alex, Ethan, Madelyn, Ben, and Isabelle. Also surviving are three brothers: C. Michael (Barbara) Hill of Nanaimo, British Columbia, James Dee (Debra) Hill of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and Thomas Gary (Donna) Cooke of Merkel, Texas; two sisters: Loucinda Joy Sage of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Evelyn Lorraine (Charles) Morse of Merkel; two sister-in-law’s: Christi Hill of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Sherry Cooke of Delton, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her biological father; mother; adopted father; husband of 42 years, Jack; and three brothers: John Kenneth Hill, Jimmie Jay Cooke, and Sammy Daniel Cooke.
Gayle was a homemaker and loved spending quality time with her family. She was an avid reader and liked fishing. Gayle relished in the joy of gardening. Her favorite game of all time was Scrabble. She had many talents, ranging from crafts of many kinds and baking. Gayle was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be deeply missed.
Cremation will be accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
