Obituary of Gayle Elaine Berryhill

Gayle Elaine Berryhill, age 88, of Newton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Gayle was born on January 30, 1937, in Victor, Iowa, to George E. Ketterling and Grace E. Walters. She graduated from HLV Community High School in 1955, then continued her education at Central College in Pella and the University of Iowa. In 1978, she proudly earned her master’s degree from Drake University.

On August 24, 1958, she married Harold A. Berryhill in her hometown of Victor. Together they shared a life rooted in love, learning, and service.

Gayle was a lifelong educator, beginning her teaching career in Belle Plaine, then Newton, Gilman, and Marion before becoming a special education consultant for Newton Community Schools and later the Area Education Agency, where she worked until her retirement in 1997. Her dedication to students and her passion for helping others left a lasting impact on many.

She was an active member of the writer’s club, Iowa Questers, and Delta Kappa Gamma Society, where she was initiated in 1982. Gayle loved words, stories, and the connections they brought to her life and the lives of those around her.

Above all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Bradley (Ilene) Berryhill of Newton and Bryan (Tracy) Berryhill of Osceola; her grandchildren, Shiloh (Kyle) Barnett, Reva (Michael) Foxhoven, Brooke (Chad) West, Amanda (Sam) Godwin, and Michael Berryhill; and her great-grandchildren, Traiden, Haislyn, Willow, Remi, Olivia, Jaclyn, Roxanne, Kynlee, and Brynlee, with baby Maverick on the way. She is also survived by her brothers, Gerald (Jane) Ketterling and Gene (JoAnn) Ketterling, her extended family of nieces, nephews, and the many of Bradley’s friends who affectionately called her “Momzy.”

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harold, her parents, and her daughter Roxanne Lea Berryhill.

Gayle’s warmth, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Memorials may be designated in Gayle’s name to Blank Children’s Hospital and may be left at the Pence Reese Funeral Home.