Gayle Waugh

Gayle's obituary was written by her granddaughter Kaylee.

Gayle Lynne Waugh was born on April 7, 1954, in Superior, Nebraska, to Richard R. and Mildred Joan (Blacker) Waugh.

She passed away with her sons and granddaughter by her side on her 70th birthday, April 7th, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, from pneumonia and Glioma.

Gayle moved back to Mankato, Kansas, in October of 2012 after her mother passed away and resided in her mother's house with her son, Nathan. Within the first year of being back in her hometown, Gayle, Nick, and Nathan started their own business, White Rock Electric. Gayle was the owner-business manager. She was so passionate to see her sons embark on this new journey. Gayle was so proud of what they accomplished together. During her free time, she loved to work on her garden beds, bringing an array of color to her home, working on home improvements from decorating her home, making custom blinds for Kaylee's bedroom, to remodeling her kitchen and painting her house. When it came to big events, she was the lady to go to whether it be family get togethers, proms, or her granddaughters' graduations, she paid extra attention to every detail to make the day special. Spring was her favorite time of the year, she always wanted to be outside whether it be spending time out at her farm, coming up with ideas to have family campouts-gatherings, celebrating her birthday, and having picnics with her family soaking up the spring sun and watching Molly, Mya, and Ruby running around exploring. Family vacations were always special to her, she enjoyed creating new memories with loved ones. 

Gayle found pride and joy providing for and being with her family. Her purpose in life was taking care of her loved ones, going above and beyond for each and every one of us. We couldn't have asked for a better mother or grandmother. 

Gayle was one of a kind. She was selfless, always putting us before herself in any situation. She was devoted to Joshua, never leaving his side during his battle with Leukemia. She was so fearless, and so loving. She always knew what to say no matter what the problem was. We always found comfort in her loving hugs and kisses.

Gayle was so brave when she found out that she had Glioma. She was determined to do everything possible to fight this battle. She got all of her strength from the encouragement of her sons and granddaughter. She fought every day to stay strong and healthy to have more time with her family. 

Gayle was proceeded in death by her parents, Richard and Mildred (Joan) Waugh; her son, Joshua John Hadle; and sister-in-law, Lorie Waugh.

She is survived by her sons, Nathan Hadle and Nikolaus Hadle (Mandy Kempton), both of Mankato; her grandchildren, Kaylee Hadle, Abby, Haley, Dominic and Derrik; brothers, Gerald Waugh, Carl Waugh, and sister-in-law, Carla Waugh; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

She will be dearly missed and never forgotten. She will always be in our hearts, and we love her so much. 

Gayle's funeral was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, at the Harmony United Methodist Church in Mankato. Burial followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato. A luncheon followed the burial at the Harmony United Methodist Church.

Visitation was from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 12, with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Melby Mortuary in Mankato, Kansas.

Memorials are requested to the Gayle Waugh Memorial and may be sent in care of Melby Mortuary, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956.

Melby Mortuary assisted the Waugh family with these arrangements. http://www.melbymortuary.com