Gayle Lea Barnhill, 69, of Creal Springs, formerly of Metropolis, passed away on February 3rd, 2025.

Gayle was born on February 7th, 1955, to Roy and Patricia (Cole) Mitchletree in Aurora, IL.

After spending several summers in Joppa, IL, Gayle married Rodger Dale Barnhill at age 17. She often told stories of Rodger helping her with her homework so she could finish high school and her Father-in-law teaching her how to drive. They built a beautiful life together, having 2 children and sharing 45 years of marriage. When her children were old enough to go to school, Gayle started work as an Activities Director at the local nursing home, then for Shawnee Development, and finally at the Massac County Tax Assessor's Office, where she later retired.

Gayle had many titles: daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend, but her favorite by far was Nanny. She was no ordinary Nanny either; she was the fun Nanny. She was the Nanny that sat and played in the dirt with her grandsons, didn't care about the mud tracked through the house, set out the playdough and glitter before they even asked, and never cleaned their handprints from the glass door after they went home just because she thought they were so cute.

After the loss of her husband, Gayle started a new chapter in her life and moved to Lake of Egypt. She loved sitting on her porch watching the sunsets, being close to her sister, taking walks in the neighborhood, watching her grandsons fish, and getting together with the girls. The lake life came naturally to Gayle. It is here that she met her traveling buddy and sweetheart, Bill Egan. The pair loved hosting parties in their tiki hut, traveling together, and spending time with their families. Gayle found a rare and unmatched companionship in Bill and her family will be forever grateful for him.

Gayle will always be remembered for her bubbly personality, contagious smile, heart of gold, and her "go, go, go" attitude. She never slowed down. Even when diagnosed with a terminal and aggressive cancer, when most would give up, Gayle and Bill booked a trip to Maine to see the whales.

The legacy Gayle leaves behind is one of family. Her family was the most important thing to her. She showed unconditional love, made selfless sacrifices, and created an unbreakable bond that will be passed on to her generations to come. Proverbs 31:28-29: "Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 'There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all'.

Gayle is preceded in death by her father, Roy Mitchletree and her husband, Rodger Barnhill.

She is survived by her mother, Patricia Cole; stepmother, Linda Mitchletree; aunt, Bonnie Combs; uncle, Bob Mathis; sister, Debbie (David) Myers; her two children, Joli (Jimmy) Story and Jeremy (Lacey) Barnhill; and her four grandsons: Logan, Remi, Fox, and Cannon.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home, 70 Jon Street, Metropolis, Illinois with Pastor Justin Wolfe and Bill Egan officiating. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10 am until 12 noon on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made to The Williamson County Shrine Club, 12908 Route 37, Marion, IL 62959, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, UT 84096, or Easterseals West Kentucky, Attn: Online Giving Coordinator, 801 N. 29th Street, Paducah, KY 42001.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Story, Logan Story, David Myers, Remington Barnhill, Fox Barnhill, Cannon Barnhill, and Bill Egan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com

The Williamson County Shrine Club
12908 Route 37, Marion IL 62959

Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation
5526 West 13400 South #510, Herriman UT 84096

Easterseals West Kentucky Attn: Online Giving Coordinator
801 N. 29th Street, Paducah KY 42001