Gayle West (Dampier)

Gayle departed this life November 12, 2020 with her loving husband, Jerry by her side holding her hand. Gayle was born on a spring day to Roy and Bernice Dampier in Lebanon, Missouri. There she would spend her childhood and graduate high school from Lebanon High. She attended Tabernacle Baptist Church and at a young age accepted Lord Jesus Christ as her savior. She met the love of her life, Jerry and they were married in 1962 and had one child Rhonda Lea.

Soon after the birth of their daughter they moved to the Kansas City area for Jerry’s work and settled in Independence, Missouri. After graduating from Missouri School of Cosmetology Gayle opened her own beauty salon, Fashion Flare. Later after selling her salon she continued styling hair for family and friends in her home simply because she enjoyed people and making them feel good.

Gayle joined Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in 1975 and continued as a lifelong member. During her tenure Gayle progressed to Beta Omega Master Chapter holding various positions within the organization and attained numerous awards for her work within the community. She sat on City Council, was voted Woman of the Year numerous times and Valentine Queen.

Gayle enjoyed her home and kept it immaculate – she loved preparing meals for family and friends and was an amazing cook. She was blessed with many creative talents: interior design, painting, drawing, sewing, and she enjoyed sharing her gifts with others and expected nothing in return.

Gayle had a vivacious personality, a great sense of humor and many friends. She saw beauty in all things of nature – a pristine snow fall, the renewal of spring, watching little chickadees build their nest from her screened in porch. She was a kind soul with a servant heart. She will be dearly missed.

Gayle leaves behind her beloved husband Jerry; grandson Ashten Lang (Independence, Mo); her sister Nancee and husband Todd Henke, their children Duke and Lena Henke (Shawnee Mission, KS); brother Bob Dampier and wife Thena (Houston, Mo); a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Gayle was preceded in death by her daughter Rhonda; sister Norma; brothers Dennis, Bert, and Denny; and her parents.

A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. A graveside inurnment service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 20, at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens, 18301 E. Salisbury Road, Independence, MO. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)