Gayle Lynn Stocks

When Gayle Lynn Stocks walked into the room, those in her company felt energy, and enthusiastic spontaneity. This was just one example of who Gayle was and how she impacted those around her. Gayle was a clever and gregarious person who always sought experiences, revel in their lives and celebrate their discoveries. Gayle was tireless and had boundless enthusiasm that would serve her well throughout her life.

Born November 11, 1954 in Farmington New Mexico; daughter of John I. (Jack) Platt and Leola Francis Lewis Platt. She grew up to be a humorous, loving, caring person. Gayle was always in pursuit of life's endless possibilities and opportunities available to her.

With a talent for making acquaintances easily in turn brought her an endless stream of friends of all ages. Gayle was very sociable and could blend without effort into any social group. Assertive and outgoing, Gayle was easy to know and demonstrated a deep concern for others. She always seemed aware of what was going on with people around her and throughout her life she made many friends.

Gayle married Allen Edwin Stocks October 11, 1981, making their family whole. She was quiet sensitive towards Allen's needs, showing her constant concern and fondness. Gayle was tenderhearted and sensitive, qualities that served her well in helping to nurture her husband and four daughters.

Gayle was a natural, creative parent who was willing to provide her family with all sorts of new and interesting experiences from gathering wood in the mountains to her family vacations. For Gayle, parenting was a particularly enjoyable part of her life. Gayle's skill at understanding her children's feelings, her sensitivity to their needs and her gift for gentle persuasion enabled her to find novel solutions to any problem or situation that might crop up. Allen and Gayle were blessed with four children: Sherry Thurston, Martha Stocks, Jennifer Fields and Charity Wilson. They were also blessed with six grandchildren: Brenda and Devin Tinken, Kaleb Miller, Austin and Kaylee Thurston and Shauna Wilson.

Gayle loved to have a broad variety of activities in her life, she had numerous hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were playing with her grandchildren; seeing the world through their eyes, quilting, sewing, needle work, and occasionally shooting her guns. Gaye had a knack for being able to multi-task in order to create time for all of her favorite pastimes. However, Gayle's ever-present concern for others around her took precedent.

Gayle's love of improvising in her daily life was a perfect fit for her enjoyment of traveling. Her favorite vacations were ones that were not planned. Traveling in a casual manor fit her personality well. Excited about seeing changing scenery and constantly looking for the enjoyment life could offer. Gayle took her vacations seriously, well, as seriously as she possibly could. Favorite vacations included packing up and driving to see the redwood forest with her husband to the trips to Moab; she enjoyed getting out and seeing the world around her.

Gayle loved animals and cherished her pets. Her family was rounded out by her five dogs: Bear, Tinkerbell, Bell, Rambo and Thor. Four cats: Pepper, Dot, Missy, and Stubby. Three chickens: (affectionately named) Brenda, Shauna and Kaylee, and two goldfish: Goldy and Bubbles.

She is survived by her husband, Allen E. Stocks; her children: Gregg & Sherry S. Thurston, Martha Stocks, Dave & Jennifer Fields, Kevin & Charity Wilson and her grandchildren; Brenda and Devin Tinken, Kaleb Miller, Austin and Kaylee Thurston and Shauna Wilson.

There was always a certain style and inventiveness to Gayle. She was a dynamic, self-expressive person who was forever looking to celebrate the endless possibilities life had to offer. She had a knack for being cleaver, creative and witty, and for others, was a joy to be around. While she was often fiercely independent, it seemed as if many others looked to Gayle for inspiration, leadership, wisdom, comfort and even courage. Gayle was always more than willing to share life's experiences with her loved ones.