Obituary
Gayle Marie Richards Disbro passed from this life Tuesday, August 6, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Gayle was born December 31, 1946 to the late Earl ‘Chet’ Richards and Alice Weingardt Richards. She grew up in a home filled with a big family and lots of love. Her mother often stated that Gayle was her “easy child”. Her brother and four sisters would agree, as she made peace out of chaos, fun out of chores and laughter out of doldrums.
After high school, Gayle worked for 15 years at L.S. Ayres & Company in Indianapolis, where her strong work ethic led to promotions including assistant buyer and department manager. Later, she landed a job at Allison Engine Company (now Rolls Royce), where she again was promoted regularly. She retired from Rolls Royce as manager of store services after 28 years of service.
Gayle met ‘Sandy’ Harrison on October 16, 1980. The attraction was instant and the relationship evolved into a life partnership that has been a model of loving commitment. They enjoyed time and travel with friends and family, including yearly trips to Las Vegas, camping and water sports at Monroe Reservoir, a girls’ trip to Provincetown, Massachusetts and many other adventures. Together, they endured life’s hardships, including health issues and the loss of their parents and family members. Theirs is a great love story.
Gayle is survived by her cherished life partner, Sandy Harrison; siblings, Gwen (Morris) White, Gloria Kermeen, Dan (Heather) Richards and Janine (Andy) Axsom as well as a brother-in-law, Barry White. She also leaves behind cousins, nieces and nephews, stepchildren and friends who all agree that Gayle is “Simply the Best”.
In addition to her parents, Gayle is preceded in death by her dear sister, Janice White as well as a brother-in-law, Bill Kermeen.
Funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Greenwood, with Rev. Matthew Swisher officiating.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.
For those choosing to make a memorial contribution in Gayle's honor, the family has suggested those be offered to Rosie’s Southside Animal Shelter at ssasi.org.