Gayle Ann Atchison, age 79, passed away peacefully at home with her family on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.

Gayle was born on June 5, 1942, in Traverse City, Michigan, the daughter of Glenn and Norma (Lewis) Jordan. She was a graduate of Traverse City High School class of 1960, earning an associate degree from Northwestern Michigan College followed by a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Michigan State University in 1964. Having met Gary Atchison while at Northwestern Michigan, the two were married on August 8, 1964 in Saginaw, Michigan.

Gayle started her teaching career in 1965, teaching 5th grade at Maple Hill Elementary School in Lansing, Michigan. Gayle and Gary made their way to Iowa where Gayle taught 6th grade at Roosevelt Elementary School in Ames for two years. Gayle and Gary relocated back to East Lansing, Michigan, where son Brad was born in 1968, followed by Detroit, and then West Lafayette, Indiana, where son Mark was born in 1976, before returning to Ames in 1977.

As a life-long teacher, Gayle loved children. Gayle served as teacher then the Director of the Collegiate United Methodist Church Cooperative Preschool, now Adventures Preschool, for twenty-two years before retiring in 2003. She thoroughly enjoyed working with children and families and often shared humorous stories about her time as a preschool teacher. In addition to working with children, she found pleasure and great friends in her remaining years through her passion for quilting and other forms of art.

The true loves of her life though were her family, especially her granddaughters, Lily and Clara who filled her life with joy until her very last days. Gayle instilled a love of reading, crafting, and baking in her granddaughters which is sure to benefit them throughout their lives. Gayle will be remembered by Lily and Clara for her positive attitude, unwavering support, and for the limitless love she provided.

Gayle touched countless lives with her kind, good natured way and ability to bring comfort with ease whenever needed. She leaves behind her husband of 57 years, Gary, children; Brad (Tracy Kreis) Atchison, and Mark Atchison, grandchildren; Lily and Clara, siblings; Glenna (Del) Gammon of Chesterfield, MI, Jim (Kathy) Jordan of Decatur, GA, and John (Mary Kay) Jordan of Saginaw, MI. along with many nieces and nephews.

Gayle is preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Norma.

A celebration of life reception will be held at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care at a later date.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com