Gayle Ann Long

1963-2022

 

     Gayle Ann Long, 59 of Keokuk, IA died Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA.  She was found by her friends unresponsive at her home on Sunday, November 6, 2022 and was rushed to Iowa City where she passed away after suffering a stroke.

     Gayle was born August 8, 1963 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Richard and Judith Howell Long.  She graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1981 and later attended massage school and became a message therapist.  

     She had many jobs through the years, from selling tombstones, where she would run off kids from playing on them then knowing they returned as soon as she left, to Why Not Waterbeds where she was somewhat of a local “celeb” in the television commercials.  She settled in at Keokuk Steel Casting and was a member of Local Steel Workers Union.  She worked up the ladder to a position of respect where she was loved by all she worked with for nearly twenty years. 

     Gayle had many loves, never settling down with anyone, but no one ever left her heart.

     She collected many things from all things miniature, marbles and Buddas.  She loved to go searching for geodes, arrowheads and various artifacts.  She followed her dads lead in collecting coins, rare bottles and was an expert metal detector.  She loved to play slots and was always up to gamble on a good bet. She also enjoyed attending live band concerts.   She loved to travel and was always game for a trip with friends.  Gayle loved her family and also collected many close friends of which she considered family with all her heart.  She was caring and generous, taking in many strangers as family, never turning down anyone in need and never failing to give all she could.  She was lovely inside and out turning heads everywhere she went.  Truly one of the kindest souls to ever bless our lives.

     She will be greatly missed, always loved and forever remembered for her smile and loving heart whenever needed.  She always had time to talk, have a shot at her kitchen table which should be preserved as a landmark in our town and in our lives.

     She is survived by two loving uncles, John Howell of Keokuk and Mitchell Long of Wayland, MO as well as numerous cousins of all ages.

     She was preceded in death by her mother, Judith on October 19, 2022, her father, Richard on October 22, 2022 one brother in childhood, Randy Long. 
     A Gathering of Remembrance will be held on Thursday from 5 pm – 7 pm at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with family meeting with friends at that time.

    Memorials may be made to Community Action of Southeast Iowa.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com