Gayla Sanders, 68 of Butte passed away peacefully April 1st, following a short battle with cancer and ultimately, a broken heart following the passing of her husband and soul mate Ken three weeks prior. Gayla was born July 13th, 1953, in Amarillo, TX to Jessie “Carl” and June Freeman. Even though Gayla was a Butte girl, she was proud to be born in Texas and quick to cheer on her Dallas Cowboys and all things Texas. Gayla spent her formal years working as a Cosmetologist and managing the Briar Patch in Butte. As the oldest daughter of five, Gayla was the matriarch of her siblings and could be relied upon at all times. She was an incredible mother to her sons and an even more remarkable grandmother to her grandsons Reece and Ryen, making them morning coffee and teaching the art of creating a perfect Butte pasty. Gayla is preceded in death by her husband Ken of 43 years, mother June and father Carl, and brothers-in-law Chick Sanders and Skeet Heinz. Gayla is survived by her sons, Rick and Scott (Chanelle) Sanders, grandsons Reece and Ryen Sanders, brothers Carl, Jim, and Ed, sisters, Fiina and Lorrie, and numerous nieces and nephews. Good Night, God Bless You, We love you. Per Gayla’s request, no services will be held. Donations may be made to the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Gayla.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Gayla and her family.
Charlene Warren says
Oh my gosh I am so sorry to see of Gaylas passing.
Sincere condolences to all the Freeman clan ❤️
Charlene Conniston Warren
Katherine James says
I’m so sorry. Gayla was a dear friend and a beautiful person. I’m so glad she was in my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Diane Mullaney says
Gayla was a beautiful person inside and out. She coached my volleyball team with my mom at the Blaine School. We all grew up Centerville. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed by all that were lucky enough to know her. Prayers and sincere condolences to her family.
Mary Lou Fitzpatrick says
Gayla was a beautiful lady who was tough. She fought her health issues for quite some time but she always had a smile and a hello to all who knew her and saw her out and about. The last time I saw her, which was in January, she was with the love of her life, Ken! I am shocked and saddened at the passing of both Ken and Gayla but they have been reunited and that is a blessing! She is no longer sick and can enjoy her special place in Heaven with her loved ones who have passed before her and she can watch over her sons, daughter-in-law, grandsons, sisters, brothers and friends. I was a customer of hers at the beauty shop.
Fran Harvey says
Gayla was a great person.She always had a smile. I hope you and Ken are having a blast up in heaven with all of your family and friends!! We will miss you my friend!! Love Fran and Phil Harvey ❤❤
Zanae Bates says
I’m so sorry to hear of Gayla and Kens passing. They were truly the best couple. I remember thinking they were so cute always together. I pray you can find comfort knowing they are together again. Sending you all my thoughts and prayers.
John, Tracy, EJ, & Grady says
I am devastated for you all. Two enormous losses so quickly. Hugs to you all.
Nancy Sullivan says
To Scott, Chanelle and boys, To Rick, To all the Freeman Family, We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers! Kenny and Gayla are together again celebrating with family and friends. Our hearts are broken, but we know they are at peace now and we are so blessed that they are and will always be in our hearts and loved by the Sullivan family. Love, Nancy and Con and all our family
Diane Carlyon says
My deepest sympathy to Gayla’s family and friends. She will be missed by all who loved her.
Pauline and Curt Mott says
Rick, Scott and familly and to the Freeman family, I am so sorry for your loss. Gayla was like another older sister to me while growing up in Butte and I will definitely miss her smiles and hugs. Growing up in Centerville, it was always Nancy, Janie and Gayla together, where one was, the others were close by. Her and Ken will be missed but they are together again and may they Rest In Peace.
Janie Pfau says
My love and prayers to all of Gayla’s family. My heart breaks for you all, losing Ken and Gayla so quickly.
They will live on in our hearts forever. My life has been so blessed having Gayla as a friend for over 50 years.
Gayla, Nancy and I have shared a special bond and I am so thankful that she was a part of my life. I loved her
like a sister.