Gayle M. (Jones) Gartee

Gayle M. Gartee, 85 years old, passed away at the home of her daughter, Michelle, at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021.  She was surrounded by her loving family.  Mrs. Gartee was born on July 11, 1935, in Detroit, MI to the late Doyle and Lillian (Anderson) Jones, and shared her birthday with her son, Michael.  She has lived in South Bend most of her life.  On January 9, 1954 in South Bend, Gayle and Wallace S. “Wally” Gartee were united in marriage.  Her husband of 64 years preceded her in death on March 21, 2018.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Michael Gartee; daughter, Shari Haller; and brother, Robert Jones.  

Mrs. Gartee retired as a teacher’s assistant from South Bend Community School Corporation,  working the longest at Jefferson Elementary where she enjoyed her students. With her sunny blonde hair always in a perm, Gayle enjoyed springs on the beaches of Sanibel, FL., alongside close friends and family. She took pride in her flower garden and home, which often served as the location for birthday and holiday celebrations; Christmas always being the most extravagant one. As the Gartee’s Matriarch, she will be remembered as an adoring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and will be deeply missed.

Mrs. Gartee is survived by her daughter, Michelle (James) VanGoey of South Bend; daughter-in-law, Deb (Thomas) Leonakis of South Bend; son-in-law, Robert Haller, II of South Bend;  eight grandchildren, Anne (Elise) Gartee, Daniel (Kate) Gartee, Joshua VanGoey, Abbey VanGoey, Emily Haller, Madeline Haller, Shelley Paris and Melissa Paris; and three great grandchildren, Ella Gartee, Claire Gartee, and Evan Paris.  She is also survived by many extended family who loved her dearly.

Graveside services will be held at Highland Cemetery, South Bend, on Friday,  May 7th at 2 P.M.  Friends are welcome to join Gayle’s family to share memories at her graveside service.  There will be no visitation.  Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend  is assisting the family. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Gayle M. Gartee may be donated to Indiana Parkinson Foundation, 14350 Mundy Road, Unit 800, Noblesville, IN  46060 or Indiana Chapter for Lupus, 9302 N. Meridian Street, Unit 203, Indianapolis, IN  46260.  Online condolences may be offered to the Gartee family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

09/6/2021  EJS