Gayle E. Hargis, formerly of Ellis Grove

Gayle E. Hargis, nee Morrison, passed away peacefully on Jan 9, 2021 at St. Paul's Home in Belleville, Illinois. She was 97.

She was preceded in death by her husband Byron V. Hargis; parents Lloyd and Bernetta (nee Grogg) Morrison; an infant sister, Guila Morrison; and brothers Donnell and Guy Morrison.

She is survived by daughters Beverly Hargis and Jocelyn (Gary) King; sons Mark (Marie) Hargis and J.D. Hargis; grandsons Matthew (Lyndsay) Brown, Nathan (Ashley) Brown and Kyle (Jennifer) Hargis; granddaughter Katelyn Hargis; stepgrandsons Justin (Samantha) King, and Jason (Natasha) King; great-grandchildren Audrey and Cooper Brown, Mason and Lilliana Hargis and Kira, Ezra and Shelby King; and a sister, Toqualee (Norman) McDonough. She also leaves behind many cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Gayle was born on Kaskaskia Island, Illinois, and moved to Ellis Grove, Illinois with her parents as a young child. She was a graduate of Sparta High School and married Byron Hargis in 1946. Gayle worked at First National Bank of Chester and Belleville High School (District 201). She was a member of Ellis Grove Baptist Church and Westview Baptist Church.

In addition to supporting all of her children's activities, Gayle was an avid fan of her husband's basketball and baseball teams at Coulterville High School, Chester High School, and Belleville Area College. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed shopping. She cherished time with her family.

Her strength, wisdom and devotion to family were an inspiration to many. Her optimism and faith pulled her through life's many challenges. Her infectious smile will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and the National Kidney Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed online at Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.

There will be a private family visitation at Kurrus Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at the Ellis Grove Cemetery.