Doyle, Gale LaMay Hodson (1937-2021)

DOYLE, HODSON, HAMMOND, DUROW, LAPPE, YOUNG, JANES

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 10/3/2021 at 13:53:32

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, June 4, 2021

Gale LaMay Doyle, 83, Webster City, received her wings on May 25th, 2021 at the Israel Hospice House in Ames with her children by her side and with the extraordinary care of the Israel Hospice House team.

Gale was born December 11, 1937 in McCallsburg, Iowa to Benjamin and Anabel Hodson. She spent most of her time in the Radcliffe area while growing up. She later moved to Des Moines and in 1955 graduated from North High. Gale attended junior college and then entered the workforce in Des Moines as an Office Assistant. After a couple of years she moved to Webster City and took a position at Christensen Motors as an Office Assistant. While out on the weekends in the big city, she met Bob Doyle at Shady Oaks. Gale loved to dance and Bob was up for the match. In 1962 they tied the knot and made Webster City their home. In 1964 the first child was born, and it was then Gale decided to stay home and take care of all her children and make sure they weren’t coming back! She was a spitfire that loved learning new skills, solving problems and was a fierce competitor. Gale was an expert seamstress, sports coach, Brownie leader, professional shopper, excellent baker, Norwegian cook, self-trained engineer, electrician, bricklayer, framer, mechanic, avid card player and anything else she set her mind on learning. Gale took pride in her sewing, home, teaching her children, gardening, stained glass, crafts, mechanical talents, and her ability to kick your butt in Yahtzee. She loved to listen to 50s country music, play Bingo, and watch basketball, specifically the Boston Celtics and Iowa Hawkeyes. Gale was rumored to be part of a local gang known as “The Snoop Sisters” in the 70s and 80s. Their meetings could take place on Gale’s front porch or a few select porches on the 800 block of Water St., and they knew everything about everybody! She also took care of her local grandsons Ben and Zack for many years and taught them many skills. Later in life Gale liked to gamble at the nearby casinos and watch Dateline, 20/20 and Unsolved Mysteries. Gale was constantly on the go and stayed active until the end.

Gale was preceded in death by her husband Bob Doyle, parents Benjamin and Anabel Hodson, sister Barbara Hammond, and brother Barry Hodson. She is survived by her children Trisha Doyle (Dennis Durow), Tanya Doyle (Ron Lappe), and Ty Doyle (Chris Doyle). Gale also has five surviving grandsons Benjamin Young, Zachary Janes (Becca) , Calen Doyle, Aiden Doyle, Sean Doyle and one great grandson Basil Janes.

Gale did not care much for funerals, but she did like a gathering of friends sharing stories, laughing, and having a good time. A celebration of Gale’s life will be held on July 3rd from 3:00PM-5PM at the Doyle residence, 1021 Prospect St. Friends and family are invited to drop in and share a story or two. Gale would love that!