Barbara Gayler
1922-2017

Barbara Helen Gayler, 95, of Maryville, Missouri died after a short illness on Sunday, September 3, 2017.

She was born July 29, 1922 in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Harris and Helen Beer. Barbara graduated from Western Illinois University in 1944 where she met George Gayler - the love of her life. They were married on June 11, 1944, right before George began his distinguished service in the US Army Corps. They were married for 73 years before George’s sudden death earlier this year.

In addition to raising two children, Barbara taught off and on throughout her life, including while George was deployed and later at Mount Alverno. She remained active right up until her death and especially enjoyed playing bridge and other card games with family and friends. Her children and grandchildren will fondly remember the many hands of “bridge or manipulation” that they played with her every chance they had when family members were together.

Barbara was a member of the Maryville First United Methodist Church, Faculty Dames, AAUW, PEO, DAR, and the Nodaway County Historical Society.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, daughter Janet S. Gayler, and brother Robert Beer.

Barbara is survived by her son Richard Gayler, daughter-in-law Nancy Gayler, Kennesaw Georgia, three grandchildren and six grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:00 p.m.at the Maryville First United Methodist Church.

Funeral Services will be Thursday at 2:00 PM, also at the Maryville First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Miriam Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the George R. Gayler Scholarship Fund at Northwest Missouri State University or Maryville First United Methodist Church.

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