Gayle Elaine Daly Downing passed from this life on January 31, 2015, after a battle with cancer.
Gayle was born on September 9, 1953, to Byron and Wanda (Allen) Daly. Gayle attended area country schools. In 7th grade she began attending Stapleton Public School where she graduated in 1971.
On May 21, 1971, she married Donald Joe Downing, and they had two children Jillana Jodell and Nancee Jo. Joe and Gayle had many life adventures from managing the Dumbell ranch in Hyannis, it was there Gayle perfected her skills as a superb cook for many people. After leaving the ranch, they moved to Mullen, where they operated D Boot Shop in Mullen. When they moved to Stapleton she worked as a teacher’s aide for Stapleton Public School. In her remaining years she worked at the Quality Inn and Suites.
Gayle had a zest for life and shared it every day that she lived. Gayle will be remembered for her strong and unwavering faith in God. She loved hosting family dinners, where she could serve a new recipe, but most importantly that she could spend time with family and friends. Each person who left one of these dinners felt Gayle’s kindness and special touch. Lastly, Gayle was patriotic and loved her country.
Gayle is survived by husband Joe, daughter Jillana Downing and her husband Chris Valentino (Redwood City, CA), Nancee and her husband Mike Welling (Crawford, NE). Her father Byron Daly, brother Dan (Deb) Daly, sister Kristy (Dan) Kramer, sister-in-laws Lila (Dan) Johnson, Michele (Bruce) Smith, brother-in-law Bill (Connie) Downing. Gayle has three grandchildren who she loved dearly Ainslee Elaine Morrison, Leonardo Joseff Anthony Valentino, and Kwade KJ Welling.
Preceded in death are her mother Wanda Daly, maternal grandparents Floyd and Leola Allen, paternal grandparents Ed and Myrtle Daly, and her mother and father in-law Pat and Marion Downing.
Memorial will be given to Gandy Community Church Building Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday February 5, 2015 at the Quality Inn and Suites with Pastor Frank Scott of the Gandy Community Church officiating. Burial will follow at the McCain Cemetery. A reception will follow the internment at the church in Gandy. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6-8 at the funeral home. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.