Gayle Stokes

Gayle Armstrong Stokes, 92, a lifelong resident of Roswell, passed away at her home on June 17, 2017 with family members at her side. She suffered from a brief illness with cancer.

Gayle was born in Roswell on July 6, 1924 to Gayle G. and Murphy S. Armstrong. She graduated from Roswell High School in 1942, attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri for two years and then attended the University of Texas in Austin where she received her degree in Physical Education in 1946. After graduating from college she was a kindergarten teacher for several years. During her life, she had the privilege of being a partner in several businesses, G. G. Armstrong & Son, Armstrong & Armstrong and Stokes Ranch Limited.

On November 5, 1954, she married the love of her life, S. Dewey Stokes. They had three sons, Len Stokes and his wife, Cheryl, from Alto, New Mexico, Jim Stokes and his wife, Linda, from Plano, Texas, Brian Stokes and his wife, Robyn, from Roswell, New Mexico and one daughter, Lauri Stokes from Roswell, New Mexico. She is also survived by several grandchildren including Shannon Russek and her husband, Michael, from Corpus Christi, Texas, Meredith Stokes and her significant other, Bryan, from Beaumont, Texas, René Gayle Potter and her husband, Brandon, from McKinney, Texas, Jennifer Diane Stokes from Plano, Texas, Christopher Stokes and his wife, Madison, from Roswell, New Mexico, Brandon Stokes and his wife, Kate, from Ruidoso, New Mexico, Daniel Stokes and his wife, Bethany, from Dallas, Texas, Brett Stokes and his wife, Kelsea, from Naples, Florida, Jason Hildenbrand and his wife, Savannah, from Chicago, Illinois, Brogan Davey from Denver, Colorado and Foster Davey from Kennewick, Washington. Gayle is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces and nephews including Bill Armstrong, Jr. and his wife, Karen, from Alto, New Mexico, Judi Armstrong from Roswell, New Mexico, Robert G. Armstrong and his wife, Sara, from Roswell, New Mexico and Riley Armstrong and his significant other, Pat Greenwade, from Roswell, New Mexico. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Adelin Schauer from Alamogordo, New Mexico and her children, Leda Schauer from High Rolls, New Mexico and Tony Schauer and his wife, Linda, from High Rolls, New Mexico. Nieces and nephews referred to Gayle as "Auntie" as well as many of her friend's children.

Gayle was predeceased by her devoted husband, Dewey, her parents, Gayle and Murphy Armstrong and her brother, B. B. Armstrong.

Gayle was a homemaker, devoted to her family and the community of Roswell. She was always happy to visit with and help those in need. She enjoyed playing tennis, poker, golf and traveling with her husband. She was a devoted and active member of First Methodist Church of Roswell where she taught Sunday School for several years. She also served on the South Park Cemetery Board of Directors. While at the University of Texas she became a lifetime member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, sponsoring many pledges throughout the years. Gayle delighted in attending a weekly get together with a few good friends, "The Alley Cats". She enjoyed having a Christmas tree cutting event on the Armstrong Ranch in the Capitan Mountains. Dozens of families enjoyed going with Gayle to cut their own Christmas trees at this event for over 30 years. Many people in Roswell will miss seeing their devoted friend, Gayle Stokes.

Gayle wished to be cremated and the gravesite services are scheduled for what would have been her 93rd birthday on July 6, 2017 at 10 a.m. at South Park Cemetery at the Armstrong Family Plot. The service will be conducted by Rev. Archie Echols, former Minister of First Methodist Church and Rev. Tina Cross, current Minister of First Methodist Church.

The family desires that the memorials be given to Cowboy Bell Scholarship Fund at First Methodist Church or the Assurance Home of Roswell.

Service

Graveside Service

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, July 6, 2017
10:00 am

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

Cowboy Bell Scholarship Fund
200 N. Pennsylvania Avenue
Roswell, NM  88201

Assurance Home
1000 East 18th Street
Roswell,   88201