Gayleen (Willard) Eitemiller passed from this life to the next on February 1, 2019 at Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility in Stockton, MO after a long illness. She was born in Kearney, NE on May 8, 1939 to Roxie (Hazzard) and Fred Willard. She spent her early years in Nebraska, however, Fred followed the construction trade and moved the family around the country for a time before landing in Pickstown, SD, where she graduated from High School.

She soon married Arnold Eitemiller and had a son, Frank. The marriage ended and Gayleen and Frank lived with her parents until they passed. They eventually settled in Stockton in 1966. She had a 32-year career in banking at Sac River Valley Bank before retiring.

Gayleen always enjoyed large family gatherings. Visiting with family and friends, reminiscing, and telling stories were her greatest joys. She was a member of the Eastern Star of SD for more than 50 years and the local Stockton chapter of the Eastern Star. She had been a member of the Stockton United Methodist Church since 1966.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her son, Frank (Kim) of Stockton; a special cousin, Gavaughn Barber, of Stockton; grandchildren Ben (Sarah) of Seneca, MO and Cassie (Trent) of Lincoln, NE; great-grandchildren Jaime, Lane, and Tucker of Seneca and Kalia and Koda of Lincoln. She also leaves behind numerous cousins in the Omaha and central Nebraska areas, as well as many friends in Stockton.

The family wishes to thank Drs. Butcher and Boeke who provided great, compassionate care for many years, Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility, and CMH Hospice for their kindness and caring, especially over the last few weeks.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Kearney City Cemetery in Kearney, NE, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility.