Gayla J. Bear

It is with great honor, grace, and anguish that the family of Gayla J. Bear, age 68, surrendered their matriarch to the Kingdom of Heaven. On November 20, 2015 at approximately 9:48 p.m. at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Gayla was hand-in-hand with loved ones by her side and enjoying her favorite gospel music at the moment of her passing.

Gayla was born October 20, 1947, to her parents John Stewart and Irene Stewart in Des Moines, Iowa. Along with all of her children, Gayla attended schools at the Saydel Community School District where she graduated from Saydel High School in 1965.

Gayla Jean devoted her life to homemaking, raising children, caring for her grandchildren and enjoying the companionship of her husband Nathan Bear while providing unconditional love. Gayla & Nathan celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary November 10, 2015. They renewed their vows at the Meskwaki Pow-wow Grounds August 9, 1998.

Gayla’s pastimes included taking care of her pets, plants, researching family history and antique/thrift shopping. Gayla was always on the go and providing for others needs before her own. She was always a phone call away for anyone who needed advice, guidance, and prayer. She proudly lived her entire life alcohol, tobacco, and drug free and encouraged a similar life style to all. She was very fond of music, singing and dancing. In her childhood she dreamed of becoming an opera singer and would often break out in song during car rides.

Gayla is survived by her husband, Nathan; children: Tina Denin-Wegner, Ray Denin Jr., John Denin, Cindy Bear, Matthew Bear, Mark Bear, and Mamie Bear; 29 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her children: Luke Bear and twin daughters, Lisa & Christina Bear; and her sisters, Madalyn, Irene, and Bertha. She was escorted to Heaven by her grandson, Joshua Lee Herselius and pet, Bruiser.

Funeral and visitation services will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Visitation: Friday, November 27, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral service: Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with graveside service to immediately follow at Glendale Cemetery. Donations can be made in her name to Blank Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, or St. Jude.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print