Gayle Elizabeth Van Genderen

Gayle Elizabeth (Stephen) Van Genderen was born April 20, 1941 in Oskaloosa, IA. She passed away on July 2, 2017, at her home in Spokane, MO. Gayle was the beloved wife of Dale G. Van Genderen for 57 years. Gayle was the daughter of Dale and Margaret (Johnston) Stephen of New Sharon, IA. She married Dale G. Van Genderen November 28, 1959, at the Methodist Church in New Sharon. After their marriage, the Van Genderens moved to southern Missouri and began dairy farming near Cabool. For a brief time Gayle also owned and operated Gayle's Gifts shop in Cabool. Her primary focus was raising her three children. After farming, Gayle and Dale moved to the Spokane, MO area where she worked for Silver Dollar City and the Shepherd of the Hills. Gayle loved dogs, cats, flowers and her home. She was a fantastic cook and baker making delicious cakes, cookies, and pies. She was an avid shopper, a life-long Hallmark Christmas ornament collector, and a fan of Coca-Cola products and merchandise. She was proceeded in death by her parents and brother, DeVerne Stephen. She is survived by her dear husband Dale, of the home; her daughter Dawn (Tim) Wright, grandchildren Maggie and T.J. of Nixa, MO; her son Stephen (Rhonda) Van Genderen, grandchildren Brianna and Kyler of Orlando FL; and her son Scott (Andrea) Van Genderen of St. Louis, MO, and grandchildren Andrew (Erin) Van Genderen of Honolulu, HI, Laura (Evan) Fluty of St. Peters, MO, and Michael, Meridith, Patrick, and Bryan Van Genderen of St. Louis, MO. She is also survived by her sister Carma (Steven) Seitsinger of Rose Hill, IA, her brother-in-law Doyle (Ruth) Van Genderen of Mountain Grove, MO, many nieces and nephews, and her best friend Norma Jean West of Cabool, MO. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society of Springfield, MO, or St. Judes Children's hospital. A memorial service will be held at Victory Baptist Church, Nixa, MO, at 11:00 a.m. on July 18, 2017.