GAYLE A. THISTLETHWAITE

Gayle A. Thistlethwaite, 82 years old, was Born January 12, 1941 in Council Bluffs, Iowa and 
Died March 1, 2023 of natural causes in DeKalb, IL at the DeKalb Area Retirement Center (OakCrest.)

Gayle was the daughter of Robert Lee and Gladys Elizabeth (Chiles) Thistlethwaite. 

She moved to the DeKalb area with her parents when her father became the Dean of the Business School at Northern Illinois University. Gayle attended Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. She worked in the library at NIU for 35 Years. 

A memorable event in Gayle’s life was a trip she took to Canada for her 50th birthday traveling with a group from Kishwaukee College to British Columbia and Alberta provinces. During her lifetime she was also able to visit two other Canadian provinces and most of the states in the United States. A trip to New Mexico was one of her favorites. 

Books, newspapers, and reading were always part of Gayle’s life. After moving to OakCrest in 2003 she was a dedicated volunteer at the Library there, using skills from her prior job.  Gayle also became a member of the OakCrest Satellite Rotary Club and participated in their activities helping others. She was a giving person all her life and shared her talents and knowledge. She enjoyed participating in activities and attending events at the Retirement Center. 

Gayle was predeceased by her parents, and had no siblings. She requested that no services or memorials be held for her and that her body be donated to the University of Iowa School of Medicine Body Donation Program in Iowa City, Iowa. Her remains will be cremated and buried in Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City Iowa. 

Many Thanks to the Staff and Personnel at OakCrest for the care they provided Gayle while she resided there. 

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