Gayle Crosby

Gayle Wynne Crosby was born August 18th, 1953 to Arthur and Miriam (Peck) Hayes in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She graduated from Northside High School and from Indiana University (Bloomington) with a bachelor’s in journalism.

Gayle met the love of her life, Thomas Crosby, in her first year at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IUPUFW). They married on August 17th, 1974 and later moved to Wichita, KS, where Gayle worked in public relations, marketing and photography. An avid photographer, Gayle always had her camera at the ready, capturing the world as she saw it through her lens.

Gayle was known for the love she had for her family and for her contagious laugh. She found her greatest joy as a “dance mom” to her two daughters and as “nana” to her grandchildren. She loved helping others and making the world a better place.

Gayle passed peacefully on Saturday, May 15th, 2021 at her home. She was preceded in death by her parents and her mother and father in law, Thomas and Janet Crosby.

A Celebration of Life will be at 4:00 pm, Thursday, May 27th, 2021 at Smith Family Mortuary Chapel, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby, Kansas 67037.

Gayle is celebrated by her husband of 46 years, Thomas; daughter Jessica and her husband Ross Rawlins; daughter Courtney and her husband Corey Heilman; grandchildren Brock and Karis Rawlins, and baby Heilman, due in October; and sister, Bethany Hayes.

Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen, 3243 E. Murdock Street, Ste 103, Wichita, KS 67208-3018..