Gayla Sue Shrank

Gayla Sue Shrank, age 70, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2025, in Kansas City, surrounded by love. Born on August 21, 1954, in Caldwell, Kansas to Melvin and Marjorie Czaplinski, Gayla lived a life filled with dedication, creativity, and laughter.

Throughout her professional journey, Gayla served as Head of Payroll at Wichita State University and taught Home Economics in Coffeyville, Kansas. She also worked as a bank investigator and working at the firework stand with the three girls.

Gayla found joy in cooking, playing the clarinet, shooting guns and archery, playing pitch, attending the theater, and, most importantly, celebrating the holidays with family and friends.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joe Head; her stepson, Jamie Head; nieces, Carrie Angle, Julie Shrank and Megan Babcock; nephews, Anthony Rousseau and Jeff Shrank; great-niece, Michelle Young; great-nephew, Owen Muzny, her brothers-in-law, Richard Hodge, Sidney Rousseau and Jim and John Shank and her beloved fur baby, Duke. Gayla was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tim Shrank; sisters, Beverly Hodge and Rita Rousseau and her fur babies, Molly, Cookie, Annie, Stevie, and Sho-Sho.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Kellogg, Wichita, Kansas. A graveside service will follow on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Caldwell City Cemetery, 1631 Sunflower Road, Caldwell, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside St., Wichita, Kansas 67219, in honor of Gayla’s love for animals.