Karon Rae Gale

Karon Rae Gale, a native of North Dakota, entered this world to the loving embrace of her hardworking parents, Ray and Elsie Lillemon. She was fortunate to grow up alongside her three caring sisters, Cheryl, Judy, and Renee.

At the tender age of 16, Karon embarked on a journey of lifelong commitment when she married my father, James Gale. Their unwavering bond endured for nearly 70 years, a testament to their enduring love and devotion. Throughout her life, Karon dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her children and husband, showering them with her undivided attention and boundless love.

As a mother of nine, Karon's heart endured unimaginable losses. Tragically, she bid farewell to her twins, Theresa and John, shortly after their birth, and her beloved son Michael succumbed to cancer a few years ago. Eventually, my father also departed from this world, leaving behind cherished memories of their enduring partnership. Despite these profound sorrows, Karon found solace in her role as a grandmother, doting on her eight grandchildren with tireless affection and care.

Karon tirelessly and compassionately dedicated herself to providing comfort, guidance, and spirituality to those around her. Her selfless efforts were a testament to her unwavering commitment to the well-being of her loved ones. Her legacy will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to experience her unconditional love and kindness.

A funeral service for Karon will be held Monday, July 3, 2023 at 9:00 AM at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 South Dobson Road, Mesa, Arizona 85202. Following the funeral service will be a committal service at 10:30 AM at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 1562 East Baseline Road, Mesa, Arizona 85204.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the Gale family.

~~Eulogy from Karon's Service~~

We are born of love, love is our mother. RUMI

No one knew how amazing she was! Except for everybody who ever met her.

My mother married early, at just sixteen. She remained married to my father, James Gale, for nearly seventy years. They grew up together. She once confided in me that when I came into her life, it felt as though she had been given a precious doll to cherish and adore.

Mom danced in the kitchen with children! She carried that tradition on with her grand children and great grand children as well. Sometimes she used a large metal, commercial salad bowl to scoot small children around the floor as they squealed with delight. She sat on the floor with us, ate popsicles and made intricate ice cream sundaes with a cherry on top.

She once remarked that the floor needed polishing so she told us if we all put on socks and we were very careful, we could go skating. We were thrilled and that hardwood floor never looked so good!

As my brothers can testify, Mom marveled at the animals that my brothers Jim, Michael and Tom trapped and released, possums, bunnies, an armadillo, a racoon and once even a hawk. I'm not sure if the hawk was trapped or injured but one day my brother Jim walked in with it on his arm.

We moved well over twenty times and Mom made each new house a home, creating beautiful decor wherever she went. (She may have been an interior decorator in another life). She spent hours meticulously painting walls and furniture. She was creative, artistic and talented, making beautiful art pieces for our home and my father's business.

She cared for her parents in their later years, moving them to a house just across the street so she could spend time with and help care for them. It was a comfort for her as well as them to have the family close by.

She spent countless hours listening to everyone's troubles and cheering successes. She gave of her time so freely as if each of us were the most important person in the world. She made my 5ft 8 inch father feel ten feet tall.

Her spirit was deeply intertwined with spirituality, firmly rooted in her unwavering belief in God. As a child, I can still recall her tenderly tucking me into bed, whispering a prayer: "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep..." Her actions mirrored her faith, embodying kindness and selflessness in their purest forms.

She could anticipate what you needed before you could ask for it. She gave herself away, never complaining or even thinking about it. She made life better with hard work, her caring nature and beautiful smile.

She did all that and she did it with love. My mother is love!