Loyce "Gayle" Baker

On April 15th, 2024, Loyce ‘Gayle’ Baker passed peacefully from this life surrounded by her family.  Gayle was born October 2, 1936, to Ross and Golda (Shults) Givens in Frederick, Oklahoma.  She graduated from Manitou High School in Manitou, Oklahoma and obtained a teaching degree from Abilene Christian University.  She married Hugh Baker on March 8th, 1963, in Merkel, Texas. Hugh and Gayle raised three children in Merkel: Loyce, Lyle, and Lanae. She was a proud mom and a doting grandma and great-grandma. Gayle taught business and typewriting for 30 years at Merkel High School. She was a passionate disciple of Jesus Christ and continually spread joy and encouragement to everyone she knew.

Gayle was preceded in death by her husband Hugh, sister Eva Jane, brother Duane, parents Ross and Golda Givens.

Gayle is survived by her children: Loyce Davis of Arizona, Lyle (Donna) Baker of Abilene, and Lanae (Ryan) Rainey of Carrollton, Texas. Grandchildren: Jayson Leving of Colorado, Amity (Thomas) Humphries of Kansas, Rebekah (Jacob) Morales of Abilene, Andrew Leving of Arizona, Devanie (Kasey) Cantrell of Justin, Texas, Abbilynn (JP) Tople, of Buffalo Gap, Emma, Lily, Abi, Anthony, and Adam Rainey of Carrollton, Texas. Great-grandchildren: Aaron, Ella, Ava & Evan Humphries, Evelyn & Madilyn Morales, Kolton & Baker Cantrell, and Collier Tople.

Gayle’s pallbearers are Jayson and Andrew Leving, Jacob Morales, Kasey Cantrell, JP Tople, and Anthony Rainey.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Friday, April 19, at the Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, April 20, at the Merkel Church of Christ with Ryan Rainey officiating.  Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel.  Services are under the direction of Starbuck Family Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to Change A Life or Rose Hill Cemetery.

Gayle's family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to her phenomenal caregiver, Rachael Valfre. Also, Angela Mertz and Celina Silvas from Hendrick Hospice.

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