Gayle graduated from Washington High School in Milwaukee, WI in 1961. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1965 after attending the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and transferring to Bethel College in Indiana after marrying Bill in 1963. She received her first Masters Degree in Elementary Education, and her second Masters Degree in Elementary Counseling, both at the University of Arkansas.
She began her career in education teaching in South Bend, IN, then moved to Fort Smith in 1970. She taught first grade at First Lutheran School, then Westwood Elementary in Greenwood where she was also a grade school counselor. She retired in 2005 after 32 years in education.
Gayle is survived by her husband, William (Bill) Edwards; her daughter Kristine (Kris) Yancy and husband Col. Scott(Ret) of Montgomery, AL; her son David Edwards and his wife Stacie of Tulsa, OK; a brother John Laatsch and wife Sue of Thornton, CO; a brother Neal Laatsch and wife Nancy of Wadsworth, IL; a sister Faye Laatsch of Glenview, IL; and grandchildren Caroline Yancy, Andrew Yancy, Camden Edwards, Camille Edwards; nephew Nick Laatsch and wife Elisabeth; and niece Katie Fink and husband Aaron.
She was a woman of tremendous faith and incredible love of family and friends. Her grandchildren and family were her world, and she took every opportunity to see them and make many wonderful memories. In her retirement she loved traveling all over the world with Bill, and had a lifetime of adventures. She enjoyed book club, playing bridge, attending the symphony and plays and planting flowers. Gayle and Bill were longtime members of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Fort Smith.
Memorials may be sent, in Gayle’s memory, to the Children’s Emergency Shelter, 3015 South 14th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901 or Saint James Missionary Baptist Church, Mercy Outreach Center, 4916 High Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904. This specific ministry provides after school tutoring programs.
