Gayla Kerby Thomas, born January 13, 1940, in Van Buren, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, in McKinney, Texas, at the age of 85.

Gayla was raised on a farm in Arkansas, where she learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and humility-qualities that shaped her life and the way she loved others. She later moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she and her husband, Walter Thomas, built both a family and a business together. For decades, they successfully ran Topog-E Gasket Company, working side by side and contributing to their community with generosity and integrity.

Above all, Gayla's greatest passion in life was her love for Jesus Christ. A devoted Christian, she lived with unwavering faith in the Lord. Gayla and Walter shared a life mission to spread the love of Jesus to others through prayer and by supporting churches, missionaries, and a variety of Christian organizations. Her life was a reflection of God's love-humble, faithful, and full of grace.

She is survived by her beloved children: Kari Teel, Mark Thomas, Rachel Keller, and Curtis Teel. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Sara Knowles, Grant Teel, James Teel, Caleb Teel, Nicholas Teel, Cruz Thomas, Claire Keller, Chloe Keller, and Cate Keller. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Audrey Teel, Leon Teel, Margaret Teel, Emma Teel, Kerby Knowles, Regan Knowles, and Thomas Knowles; and by her sister, Joy Kerby Droll.

Gayla was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Thomas; her parents, J.T. and Edna Kerby; her step-mother, Lorraine Kerby; her in-laws, F.M. and Yula Thomas; her sister, Karen Zoe Stehm; and her granddaughter, Tristan Thomas. Their memories live on in the hearts of those who loved them.

Gayla's life was marked by deep love, quiet faith, and enduring grace. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Rose Hill Memorial Park, 4161 East Admiral Place, Tulsa, OK 74115.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of your choice, in memory of Gayla.