Gayla J. Donahue, beloved wife, mother, and friend, and eternal teacher passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, and boundless kindness that touched everyone who knew her.

Born into humble beginnings, Gayla was raised by her grandparents, Ira Casper and Cecil Casper, in the small community of Cobden, Illinois. Ira, despite physical challenges, ran both a dime store and the town jewelry shop, and also served as Cobden's secretary-treasurer. Alongside Cecil, they provided Gayla with a loving, steady home that shaped her into the remarkable woman she became.

Gayla was the daughter of Lawrence "Pee-wee" Spiller, a kind and generous long-haul truck driver known on the CB radio as "Pee-wee," and Carol Bostian. She also had a devoted stepfather, Glenn Bostian, who was an important figure in her life.

In her youth, Gayla was crowned Homecoming Queen at Cobden High School, the Appleknockers, and later graduated from the Coiffure School of Beauty Culture. She became known as "the woman to see for the perfect perm" throughout the Metro East area, running Gayla's Hair Salon in Cahokia, Illinois, for nearly two decades.

In her second career, Gayla brought her dedication, warmth, and easy laughter to her role as an area sales manager at Dillard's, where she made customers feel cared for and helped colleagues grow and thrive. She and her husband, William J. Donahue, shared 44 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they were a dynamic couple known for their passion for produce farming at Donahue's Sunshine Farm.  Known as The Strawberry Lady, Gayla found immense joy in the yearly strawberry harvest and the sense of community it fostered—welcoming lifelong customers and multiple generations of families who came to pick and enjoy her and Bill's incredible strawberries.

After retiring, Gayla embraced the simple pleasures of life. She developed a deep love for hummingbirds, caring for them every spring and summer and finding something magical in their delicate beauty and grace. Hummingbirds captured the essence of what Gayla represented: beauty, gentleness, and a quiet but unwavering capacity to care. Watching them come and go became a cherished ritual—one that reflected her nurturing spirit long after her own children grew up.

Gayla is survived by her husband, William; her sons, Ryan Donahue and Derrick Trexler; her daughter-in-law, Diona Trexler; and her grandson Anakin Trexler. She will be deeply missed by her extended family, including her sister-in-law, Roberta "Bobbi" Wellman, and Bobbi's sons, Ronnie and Robert; her sister Janet Bostian Newgent and brother Mike Bostian; as well as many dear friends.

Gayla lived her life with grace, humility, and a heartfelt commitment to helping others. Through every challenge—even in her fights with cancer—Gayla never gave up. She believed deeply in the power of believing in yourself, in being good to others, and in the idea that life finds a way to work out for those who lead with kindness. spirit made the world a kinder place. She will be remembered always for her ability to find joy in life's simple moments and for the love she gave so freely.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025 and 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Father Stephen Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

In lieu of flowers the family asks to make a donation to: Thoracic Oncology Research / Dr. Govindan Washington University, The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, in support of cancer research.

Donations may be made online at:
https://www.foundationbarnesjewish.org/transform-health-care

When donating online, on behalf of Gayla J. Donahue please select "Other" and, in the text box, write:
"I want to support Targeting Genes for Specialized Cancer Therapy– Dr. Govindan, MD."

Donations may also be made by phone by calling 314-286-0445.

Thank you.

The Donahue and Trexler Families