Gayle Verlyn Nielsen

Gayle Verlyn Nielsen died on April 12, 2025 in Independence, Missouri just before her 83rd birthday after living with Alzheimer’s for many years. She was a loving mother and grandmother, who spent a long career as a federal civil servant. 

Gayle was born on April 21, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Joseph and Georgia Nielsen. She grew up in a large Mormon family in Utah with her parents and seven siblings. She graduated from Weber High School in Ogden, Utah. Out of high school, she started working for the IRS in Ogden.

 Gayle met her first husband, Glade Larson, at a church dance, and the two were married in 1963. They moved to Rawlins, Wyoming to begin Glade’s career and start a family and later relocated to Northern California. They raised five children, Maria, Marla, Marvin, Mathew and Monica. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was a large part of Gayle's life. She held many service positions including primary, relief society and choir within the church. She was a dedicated member who found strength and joy in her commitments and helping others.

After raising five children, she resumed her career at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California. She later transferred to the Bremerton, Washington Naval Shipyard. In Washington she met Harry Wadley, who she was married to for ten years. She retired in 2003 after more than 20 years of service.

She had many interests and passions throughout her lifetime. She was a lifelong quilter who carried on a long tradition of creating beautiful quilts by hand. She enjoyed singing and directing in the church choir. She spent time as a hospice volunteer in her retirement years and had a gift of bringing comfort to those at the end of life. After moving to Independence, Missouri to be closer to family she spent time as a volunteer at the local senior center and enjoyed being close to many of her grandchildren. 

Gayle is survived by her three daughters, Maria Larson, Marla Sua and Monica Larson; siblings Linda Newman, Mark Nielsen, Joel Nielsen and Jeff Nielsen; 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her sons, Marvin and Matthew Larson; and three siblings William Kent Nielsen, Russell Nielsen and Gerald Victor Nielsen. 

Services for Gayle will be held on Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 705 West Walnut Street in Independence, Missouri. A viewing will be held between 9 and 10 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens Cemetery at 18301 East Salisbury Road in Independence.

A luncheon reception will be held at the LDS church starting at 12:30 p.m.

Check back for update on zoom link for virtual service option before May 2nd for those who are unable to attend the services in person.