Gayle L. Ernst

Gayle Ernst, age72, of Ellis, Kansas, died on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Ellis. She was born on February 3, 1953, in Oceanside, California to Carl Gene and Lila Lee (Smith) Gilpin. On January 19, 1982, she married Greg Ernst in Ellis, he preceded her in death on February 3, 2024.

Gayle worked as a Cosmetologist, and as a CNA providing care for individuals in the greater Ellis County area, but her greatest joy was being a grandmother and Great grandmother. She enjoyed spending time at the lake, gardening, and was quite an accomplished cook, sharing her recipes with friends and family alike. Gayle never knew a stranger and had a heart as big as the great outdoors, caring for her adopted children and pets.

She is survived by her sons: Shane (Amy) Buchholz, Charlie (Yi-Tan) Martin of Glendale, Arizona, and Tyler Watson of Manhattan, Kansas; her sister: Carla (Michael) Stiles of Hill City, Kansas; her grandchildren: Jordyn Buchholz, Andrea Buchholz, Trinten Ernst, Matthew Ernst, Harper Buchholz, Leighton Buchholz, Haven Watson and Annistyn Watson as well as five great-grandchildren, together with one on the way. She will be deeply missed by her extended family of nieces, nephews, and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son: Lucas; and her sister: Linda.

Memorial Services and a Celebration of Gayle's life will be Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Inurnment will take place in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery - Ellis at 3 PM on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: The Humane Society of the High Plains in care of the funeral chapel.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Gayle's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.