Gayle Bernetta (Snyder) Pearson of Surprise, Arizona, formerly of Tracy, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the age of 83. Services and interment pending in the spring of 2025.
She was born on May 25, 1941, in Tracy, Minnesota, to Jesse Donald and Myrtle Dorothy (Larson) Snyder. Gayle grew up in Tracy, attending District 35 country school in Redwood County before graduating from Tracy High School in 1959, where she was crowned homecoming queen.
After graduation, armed with just $50, Gayle headed to Minneapolis, where she worked as a secretary at American Hardware Mutual Insurance Company and Smith Barney and Co. until she met William Dennis “Bill” Pearson Jr. A quick-witted moment in which Bill bounced a pool cue on her foot and asked where she had been all his life sparked the beginning of their love story. They married on July 20, 1963, at the United Methodist Church in Tracy. She and Bill raised three children: Lynn, Leah, and Jay.
Gayle worked for 12 years at Tracy State Bank/Norwest Bank and 15 years at Wells Fargo in Minneapolis. She retired in 2003 and soon began visiting Surprise, Arizona, where she fell in love with the warm weather. By 2011, Gayle had made Surprise her home, buying a condo and enjoying an active, joyful retirement.
In Arizona, Gayle embraced condo life, meeting new people, enjoying happy hours, exploring estate sales, lounging by the pool, sightseeing, and enjoying time with friends.
A true hostess at heart, Gayle loved organizing gatherings, each with a unique table setting. She cherished her time in Arizona. Her favorite pastime, however, was spending time with her beloved grandchildren.
Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, infant brother Lyle, and nephew Dylan. She is survived by her children, Lynn (James) Hall of Strongsville, OH; Leah (Eric) Hargrove of Blaine, MN; and Jay Pearson of Starbuck, MN; sisters LeAnn Snyder and Cheryl (James) Odegard; brother Brian (Kim) Lauwers; grandchildren Kelly (Justeena), Kristopher (Haley), Kory (Gloria) and Kyle Hall; Curtis, Lauren, and Paul Hargrove; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews Marnie (Chad) Burt, Michael Nixon, Matthew (Shannon) Odegard, Felicia (Lars) Hay and Brice Lauwers and many other family and friends.
Though cremated, Gayle joked that she still needed a casket — because she’s taking all her dishes. Gayle’s laughter and her ability to bring people together will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Rest in peace, Gayle. You will forever be cherished in our hearts.
Memorials to a charity that touched her heart: Helptuckthemin@gmail.com, or at Help Tuck Them In, PO Box 1121, Tracy, MN 56175.