Ralph Gayle Williams

Ralph “Gayle” Williams was born August 12, 1931, to Ralph Elliot and Audrey Elda (Kugler) Williams. He left his earthly home on October 14, 2016 at the age of 85 and now resides with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Gayle spent his early years on the family farm with his loving parents and 7 siblings (Norma June, Donn Eugene, Roma Kathleen, Juanita “JoAnne”, Arden Marland, Wanda Julia, and Marian “Sylvia”). This family bond was special and strong. Gayle would often reminisce about how much he missed and loved the farm, even commenting about the family farm from time to time, “I would buy that place and move there, if….”

After the death of his mother at age 6, some hard economic times, and the failing health of his father, Gayle moved to Pueblo, CO, where he was graciously and lovingly accepted into the family of his cousins, Cecil and Alma Williams. He was now blessed with two families to love and his new family grew to include three sisters (Sharon, Jeanette and Sue).

He was always motivated and began working in his teen years, as a Janitor for Pueblo School District #60. His heart longing for the farm, he would go back to Kansas to work the summer wheat harvest. He graduated from Central High School in Pueblo, CO.

Gayle joined the Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion and a proud veteran.

In 1959, during a visit to see his sister in Great Bend, KS, he met the love of his life, Cherri Wesley and they were joined in marriage February 27, 1960. Gayle now added a third family to love. Harold and Margaret Wesley became his parents-in-law and John Wesley his new brother-in-law. Gayle and Cherri had two children; Garilyn Lucille and Ralph Gayle Jr. They spent the next 56 years taking care of one another and enjoying life together.

Gayle had a 42 year career with the local power company in Pueblo, CO. Starting as a first helper in the power plant and working his way up through the ranks to a SCADA Operator. Gayle was a member of the IBEW 667, MBA and participated in many company activities each year including summer picnics, turkey bingo and Christmas dinner/dances. He also spent several years serving as a board member at the company credit union.

Retirement brought new opportunities for fun! Gayle and Cherri bought themselves Ford truck and 5th wheel trailer. Snow birding became their new passion. They built many friendships along the way. During this time, they joined the Good Sam RV Club and the Blue Spruce Campers Group.

Gayle was an avid hunter and fisherman. Feeding his family elk, venison, blue grouse, pheasant (and don’t forget the fish) for many years. He passed along his love of these sports to anyone who wanted to “go along for the ride.” And yes, it runs in the family! He introduced hunting to his son-in-law (Kevin) in 1981, and Kevin was hooked from the start. All of Gayle’s grandchildren were with him in December 2014 for what would turn out to be his last elk hunting trip.

Those of you who knew Gayle can speak of his talents: handy man, builder, machinist, mechanic, and last but never least, musician. He loved to sing and play his guitar and was always willing to sing you a song or join if you were singing. He loved blue grass music and he looked forward to the blue grass festivals where you could go out and sing along. He would start off with a fun “oldie but goodie” or a hymn, but almost always ended with a song of praise to his Savior.

He would pay weekly visits to several nursing homes and assisted living centers to encourage and minister to the folks who lived there, telling them stories from the Bible and singing songs. He joined the Gideons and would also make weekly visits to the jail. He was always willing to tell you about his love for Jesus and, more importantly, to convey how much Jesus loves you.

Gayle was always willing to fix you a meal, listen to your story, help you with a project, or go the extra mile for a friend. Whether you were the new friend on the side of the road with a flat tire, or an old friend he had known for years, he was there for you. He truly loved people.

Gayle was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Williams and Audrey (Kulger) Williams; brother, Arden Williams; sisters: Norma June Peterson, JoAnne Nichelson, and Roma Timmons; adopted parents, Cecil Williams and Alma(Porter) Williams; and Parents-in-Law, Harold and Margaret (Soden) Wesley.

He is survived by:

His loving wife, Cherri (Wesley) Williams

Children: Garilyn (Kevin) Warmack and Ralph Williams Jr

Grandchildren: Jessica (Lance) Sedevie, Wesley Warmack (Carrie Tucker), Erica “Rikki” (Cody) Scheid.

Siblings: Donn Williams, Cheyenne WY; Wanda Wear, Carthage, IL; Sylvia Andersen, Red Cloud, NE

Adopted Sisters: Sharon (Stan) Ricker, Pueblo West, CO; Jeanette (Dave) Walker, Stilwell, KS; Sue (Larry) Elniff, Livingston, TX

Brother-in-law, John (Sharon) Wesley

Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Gayle is loved, Gayle is missed (there are not enough words). Yet we can’t help being happy that he now resides with his true and faithful friend, the rock on which he stood, the shelter upon which he relied: Jesus Christ, his Savior. King of Kings and Lord of Lords.