WALBECK, Gayle E.
Portage
Age 47, passed away peacefully at Centrica Rose Arbor Place during the middle of the snowstorm on January 12, 2024. Gayle was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on May 30, 1976, to Kurt Barry and Linda Juanita (Taylor) Walbeck. She graduated from Portage Northern High School in 1994, Western Michigan University in 1998 and received her master’s degree from WMU in 2008. Gayle was a long-time beloved teacher at Mendon Community Schools until 2019.

Gayle is survived by her mother, Linda and her sister, Kelly Lynn Walbeck, along with a long list of extended family on both sides. She was preceded in death by her father Kurt and both her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Gayle loved her cats, books, playing the bass (guitar and upright), participating in school and community theatre, scrapbooking, camping, cooking, going to the movies, anything to do with Lake Michigan or Traverse City, Star Wars and Star Trek. She was a kind, empathetic and sensitive soul who loved to teach and help people. Gayle will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

At Gayle’s request, she will be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be planned for family and friends to gather together later this spring. Memorial donations can be made to Centrica Rose Arbor Place or Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.