Gayle Turner

(From Knell Mortuary)

Gayle Ann Turner, 63, Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at her home. She was born on November 4, 1962, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the daughter of Clive H. Lorenz and Elaine M. (Crawford) Lorenz. Gayle lived a life marked by love, friendship, and a spirit of adventure that touched all who knew her.

Gayle graduated from Rancho High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1981. She later pursued her calling in nursing and received her LPN degree from Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri. Her education and dedication led her to a career of service, and she worked as an LPN for St. Luke's Nursing Center in Carthage, Missouri. Through her work, she showed compassion, patience, and care for others, and she was respected for the kindness she brought to her profession.

Those who knew Gayle will remember her as loving, friendly, and adventurous. She had a warm personality and a genuine interest in the lives of others, and she made friends easily wherever she went. She loved animals, especially caring for her fish and dogs, and she found joy in the simple routines that came with tending to them. She also enjoyed crafting, which gave her a creative outlet and brought happiness to her days. 

Gayle loved to travel across the country, especially when the journey allowed her to visit family and spend time with those she held dear. She had a green thumb and took great pride in tending to her plants. She also enjoyed cutting her own wood and appreciated the quiet satisfaction of working outdoors. One of her favorite pastimes was getting on the tractor and mowing the 40 acres of land she loved, finding peace in the rhythm of the work and the beauty of the property around her.

Survivors include her mother, Elaine M. Lorenz, Las Vegas, Nevada; her siblings, Linda Morton (Frank), Scroggins, Texas, Mark Lorenz (Louise), Carthage, Missouri, Terri Lorenz, Las Vegas, Eric Lorenz, and Lois Petruzzo, Las Vegas; her uncle, Gary Lorenz (Mary), Las Vegas; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her father, Clive H. Lorenz.

Per Gayle’s wishes, there was cremation. The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.