Mary Gayle Ames

Mary Gayle (nee Morris) Ames, 76, passed away on December 3, 2017, at her Kansas City, Kansas home with her constant companion, dog 0llie by her side also knowing she would be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ which she acknowledged at an early age and faithfully all of her life. Gayle is survived by her caring husband, Wilbur (Bill) Ames; beloved children, Megan DeJarnett (Mark), Stephen Edwards (Amy), Lori Mach (Coby), and Rusty Ames (Debbie); 103 year old aunt, Margaret Ryan; and brother, Joseph C. Morris (Susan). Her ten doted-on grandchildren, Landon and Mason DeJarnett, Leah Gayle, Hope, Elliott and Quinlyn Edwards, Sara and Reanna Mach, and Russell and Christopher Ames, loved her dearly and will miss her greatly. Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph J. and Imogene (Shoop) Morris; and her brother, John Morris. A native of Emporia, Gayle attended Emporia State and was a life-long learner and educator. After teaching for a few years in Colorado, she returned to Kansas where she taught second grade at William Allen White Elementary School for 28 years. When her children run into one of her former students, they describe how magical it was to be one of Mrs. Ames' students. Her students should also know her favorite snack and love of oyster crackers continued beyond her teaching days. After her retirement, Gayle and Bill moved to four acres in Kansas City, which gave her plenty of space to plant spring flowers, use her glue gun and ribbon to decorate for each and every holiday, with Christmas being her favorite. In addition to 0llie, a book was never far from Gayle's side. She loved all sorts of books but had an obvious affinity for children's books. One of Gayle's favorite poets was Shel Silverstein, and his poem, Every Thing On, It is apt now: "There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part, So just give me a happy middle, And a very happy start." A Celebration of Gayle's life will be held Friday, January 12 at Abundant Harvest Church, 4830 Shawnee Drive, KC, KS from 5:00 to 7:00. A Celebration of Life will be held in Emporia Saturday, January 13 from 2:00 to 4:30 at the Emporia Arts Center, 815 Commercial. Please no flowers, memorial donations may be made to KU Endowment, 390IRainbow, KC, KS 66103 for Fibromyalgia research, Abundant Harvest Missionary Fund, or the Emporia Zoo.

Mary Gayle Ames

March 3, 1941 - December 3, 2017