Gayle Ann Weyers

Published July 07, 2021 at 8:14 AM

Gayle Ann Weyers, 79, passed away on June 20, 2021, at Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, from an aggressive infection.

Gayle was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Scrabble player, organic gardener, world traveler, BGSU alum, golf cart adventurer, social coordinator, community organizer, caring friend and more. Gayle’s zest for life was infectious and was the driving force behind countless projects, clubs, community work and social gatherings. Her creativity was boundless, and her faith was deep.

Gayle was born to George and Ruth Saelzler on July 5, 1941, in Toledo, Ohio, the first of four children. She graduated Whitmer High School in 1959 and attended Bowling Green State University, where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Biology, with a Chemistry minor, in 1963. It was at BGSU that she met the love of her life, Donald Weyers. Their marriage on June 8, 1964, was just the start of a lifetime of adventures together.

Gayle and Don settled in Maple, Wisconsin, where they raised their 6 children and were active in church and school activities for over 25 years. In 1990, they moved to the city of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates for 6 years. Gayle worked there as a teaching assistant and web builder at the UAE University where Don taught math.

After Don’s retirement from teaching, they based themselves out of Superior, Wisconsin, but spent much of their time traveling around the country, visiting friends and family. They also spent wonderful summers at their cabin on Lake Minnesuing. They fell in love with the Arizona desert during their travels and eventually relocated to Ajo, where they grew passionate about gardening and Samaritan work, and where they became unofficial ‘grandma and grandpa’ to many Ajo youth and their families.

Gayle is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Steve and David Saelzler, and her grandson, Andrew Weyers. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Don Weyers, six children, Becky (Keith) Stoneburner, Maria (Dave) Lockwood, Bill Weyers, Joe (Anita) Weyers, Molly (Jim) Kaczmarek, and Charlie (Cheryl) Weyers, grandchildren Jay Stoneburner, Missy Stoneburner, Robyn (Garrett) Larson, Benjamin (Kristin) Waters, Luke Waters, Noah Waters, Jacklyn Lockwood, Devon Lockwood, Elizabeth (Alex) Jatzo, Eilonwy Lockwood, Anthony Weyers, Lydia Weyers, Raven Weyers, Bess Kaczmarek, Michael Kaczmarek, Inara Weyers, Sterling Weyers and Zoe Weyers, great-grandchildren Leo Jatzo and Easton Weyers and by her sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Karl Ziemke.

Gayle will be deeply missed by family, extended family and friends in Ajo, northern Wisconsin, the United Arab Emirates and countless places around the world. Yet anyone who knew Gayle knows that she would want us all to celebrate her long, full, happy and blessed life with a toast, good food and fellowship with each other.

Two Celebration of Life parties are planned: at the Weyers house in Ajo, Arizona, on Aug. 7 and at their former cabin on Lake Minnesuing, 7853 S. County Road P, from 2-4 p.m. Aug. 28. Interment of ashes will take place in the Lake Nebagamon Cemetery.