Gayle L. Lindsey

A life beautifully lived, full of laughter, family, friendship, and the joy of a well-tended garden, came to a peaceful end. Gayle Louise Lindsey, at 84, passed away in Norman, Oklahoma, on July 31, 2025. Born February 16, 1941, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and boundless capacity for loving her family, friends the vibrant life she cultivated around her.

Born in 1941, she was preceded in death by her birth father, Frank E. Harrell, who passed away tragically in 1942. She was lovingly raised by her mother, Madeline Lillian Ellsworth, and her stepfather, Paul Hicks Ellsworth, both of whom are deceased, fostered a supportive and nurturing home for her and her sister Paula Dee, guiding them throughout life. The family became an active part of the Olivet Baptist Church community, where Gayle developed a foundation of faith and involvement.

Gayle was a brilliant student, graduating from Northwest Classen High School in 1959. She excelled academically, earning recognition in honors math, honor society, and honors language courses, while also serving on the student council and playing on the girls’ basketball squad. After high school, Gayle married the father of her three sons, Clay Cole, and moved to Duncan, Oklahoma. She later remarried, finding happiness with “Lee” LeRoy Lindsey in Rush Springs, Oklahoma.

Throughout her life, Gayle embraced various positions, demonstrating a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. She embarked on a remarkable journey of self-improvement, putting herself through college while working and raising boys at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. With a teaching certificate in hand and a move to Norman, Oklahoma, in 1986, she shared her passion for learning and a love of mathematics with students at the University of Oklahoma and Little Axe High School, where she also coached the academic team.

Gayle’s heart beat for her family and friends. She delighted in hosting gatherings at her home, which also served as a backdrop for countless cherished memories, including weddings, family reunions, summer days by the pool, birthday celebrations, and holidays. Her home was truly the heart of family life, reflecting her passion for creating a warm and welcoming space. Her home-cooked meals were a family favorite, especially her Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie. When not enjoying the company of loved ones, Gayle could be found tending to her beautiful yard or resting on her deck with a good book; she was a voracious reader, often with her beloved tri-colored collie, Cassie, by her side. A dedicated fan of OU Football, Gayle’s enthusiasm for the Sooners was well-known.

Gayle is preceded in death by a life full of friends and family members, who we believe have received her with open, loving arms. She is survived by her sons, Russell Cole (Angela) and Daren Cole; grandchildren Russ, Kory, Megan, and Ashley; sister Paula Dee, and many cousins and nieces.

The final chapter of Gayle’s life brought challenges as a result of developing symptoms of dementia, and she fought against them as only she could. She maintained her strong will and determination nearly to the end. In the final months, we feel she grew in her appreciation for life and those who cared for her. Her family will forever cherish her heart of gold.

Gayle leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, dedication, and the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by a wide circle of family and friends. Visitation will be held 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with family present, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, August 8, 2025, at Hahn-Cook visitation suites 6600 Broadway Extension in Oklahoma City. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Rose Hill Burial Park, 6001 NW Grand Blvd in Oklahoma City.

In place of flowers, the family requests donations to a local animal shelter or scholarship fund of your choice.