Gayle Ann Vail

Gayle Vail lived life boldly, confidently, and entirely on her own terms.

Gayle Vail, 62, of Valeda, Kansas, passed away on February 1, 2026.

Born September 2, 1963, in Oswego, Kansas, to Archie and JoAnn McElroy, Gayle grew up in Bartlett, Kansas, and graduated from Labette County High School.

Gayle was strong-willed, spirited, and stubborn in the most memorable way. She did what she wanted, when she wanted, and how she wanted. She took no nonsense from anyone and if you questioned her plan, she would simply look at you and say, “Trust me.”

That was one of her famous lines. And more often than not… she was right.

She loved hosting. If there was going to be a gathering, she wanted it at her house. She loved cooking for her people, making sure everyone was fed and taken care of. Her home was the place to be, full of laughter, teasing, stories, and love.

Gayle believed in systems. Laundry had a process — start to finish — ending in perfectly folded stacks. Dishes had a rhythm. Everything had a method she had perfected over the years.

She loved adventure. Flying somewhere was exciting, but road trips were her favorite. Some of her favorite memories were traveling across the country with her daughter, mapping out stops along the way and turning every mile into part of the story. Rental cars, hot rods, hotel stays with specific room requests. She loved the journey as much as the destination.

Faith was woven into her childhood, raised attending church faithfully several times a week. As she grew older, she honored the meaningful moments.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and JoAnn McElroy; Danny Vail, with whom she shared many years of her life; her sister Judith Renee; her brothers James Dale and twins David Ray and Daniel Roy; and her granddaughter, Mia Cole.

She is survived by her children: Bryan Vail and Erica Vanderveen of Lenexa, Kansas; Sadie Vail and Derek O’Day of Castro Valley, California; and Thomas and Jennifer Vail of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson; her brothers Lonnie McElroy, Bill McElroy, and George McElroy; and her sister Mary Hayward.

A funeral service will be held at Mother of God Parish in Oswego, Kansas, on February 28 at 10:00 a.m., with graveside services at Lake Creek Cemetery immediately following. A luncheon will follow at the Edna Community Senior Center, where family and friends are invited to gather and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests plants in her memory. Mom loved her plants, and we would love to continue that tradition in her honor.

She was strong. She was fiery. She was loving.
But above all, she was Mom.

And somewhere, we can almost hear her voice one more time.

“Trust me.”

We will, Mom. Always.