Gayle Mcclellan

Gayle McClellan, age 83, of Bayard, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Private family graveside services will be held soon. A Celebration of Life for the public will be held when circumstances allow. Ohde Funeral Home in Bayard is in charge of arrangements.

Gayle Jean, daughter of Virgil and Ruby (Warner) Shoesmith was born October 2, 1936, in Exira, Iowa. She grew up on a farm South of Stuart, and graduated from Stuart High School in 1954.

On August 12, 1956, Gayle was united in marriage with Ward McClellan Jr. at the Fairview Church south of Stuart. Four children, Debbie, Patricia, Mike and Scott, were born to this union. Gayle and Ward farmed and raised their children on the family farm east of Bayard. The couple “retired” from farming in the early 1990s when they turned the farm operation over to their sons. However, they continued to stay active on the farm for several years.

Gayle was a member of the United Methodist Church in Bayard and the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Bayard Legion Auxiliary, Red Hat Society, Coffee Club and cherished time with her beloved Birthday Club. She enjoyed raising flowers, bird watching, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, doing cross-stitch, and going to the casino. An excellent cook and baker, Gayle was known for her cinnamon rolls and pies. Her cookie jar was always full. Her family knew to be punctual for the meals she prepared. But most of all, Gayle enjoyed being around people, her friends and especially her family.

Following a few months of declining health, Gayle passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 83 years, 5 months and 25 days of age.

Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ward McClellan Jr., and a brother Richard Shoesmith.

She is survived by her daughters: Debbie and husband Steve Pope of Des Moines and Patricia and husband David Bognanno of Overland Park, Kansas; sons: Mike McClellan and wife Teresa of Bayard and Scott McClellan and wife Teresa of Bayard; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren (with one on the way); a brother Donnie Shoesmith and wife Debbie of Stuart; a sister Jerry Kirfman and husband Cliff of Richmond Hills, Texas; sisters-in-law Anna Moylan of Omaha and Helen Ann Shoesmith of Stuart. Gayle also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be greatly missed.

Private family graveside services will be held this weekend and a Celebration of Life for the public will be held when circumstances allow.