GAYLE HAYES - OBITUARY

With heavy and grieving hearts, we announce the passing of Gayle Ann Hayes, 80, of Tulsa, who went home peacefully to be with the Lord on November 24, 2025, in Owasso, OK. Born on July 9, 1945, in Oklahoma City to Frank Paul and Nell (Chandler) Burton, Gayle was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a light to everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Tome Hayes; her children, Chandler and Brett; her grandchildren, Holly and Alex; and her great-granddaughter, Lily, who brought her so much joy. Each of them carries her love, her strength, and her legacy in their hearts.
Gayle lived a life overflowing with love, purpose, and adventure. She was an entrepreneur, a missionary, a world traveler, and a giver in every sense of the word. She began playing for church services as a young girl, and it was through music that she met Tome - she on the piano and he as a minister of music. Their shared passion for ministry became the foundation of their music ministry that lasted more than five decades. Together, they touched countless lives through their music and their faith.
Gayle's heart for others carried her and her family across the world. Together, they served as missionaries in the Middle East-in places such as Beirut, Lebanon, and Amman, Jordan-sharing compassion, hope, and the love of Christ with everyone they encountered. She faithfully supported orphanages in Kenya and spent her entire life helping those in need. Gayle truly believed it was better to give than to receive, and she lived that belief with quiet courage and unwavering generosity.
Her adventurous spirit led her to countries far and wide, always with her husband or family by her side. Whether she was exploring new cultures, serving in ministry, or building something new as an entrepreneur, she poured her whole heart into every step of her journey.
Gayle and Tome's 61 years of marriage stand as a testament to deep devotion, steadfast partnership, and a love that only grew stronger with time.
We take comfort in knowing that Gayle has entered heaven's embrace, reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her. We believe she is being welcomed with open arms, surrounded by peace, joy, and the eternal love of God. Though our hearts ache with her absence, we will miss her every day until we see her again in paradise.
Visitation with the family will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Moore's Eastlawn Chapel, 1908 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Moore's Eastlawn Chapel, followed by a graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Ebenezer Life Center in Kenya in honor of Gayle's lifelong commitment to caring for children and serving others across the world.

https://www.ebenezerlifecenter.org/support.html