Gayle Lee Poole , 74, of Blanco, Texas, passed away on March 28, 2026 at home with her family at her side. Born on November 25, 1951, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Tom and Marilyn Williams, Gayle lived a life defined by warmth, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to those around her.

Gayle graduated from Wintersville High School and went on to Dental Hygiene School at West Liberty State College in West Virginia and graduated in 1972. Gayle built a long and beloved career as a dental hygienist, where she was known for her calming presence, compassion, and genuine care for every person who sat in her chair. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel at ease. Her colleagues and patients alike became lifelong friends, drawn to her kindness and radiant personality.

In 1989 Gayle married Barry Poole in Spokane Washington. She and Barry later moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1989. Gayle and Barry later relocated to Blanco Texas in 2017 to pursue retirement.

Beyond her career, Gayle treasured time spent on the golf course, and sitting out on her back deck watching the sunsets, enjoying beach trips, and sharing laughter during girls' days with her closest friends. She was the kind of person who filled every room with joy, never carrying a negative thought and never once complaining, even when life asked much of her. She was, quite simply, the sweetest and most happy lady you could ever meet.

Above all, Gayle was a wonderful wife, a devoted second mother, and an amazing grandmother who always put others before herself.

She is survived by her loving husband, V. Barry Poole; her stepchildren, Brad Poole, Cinnamon Crandall, and Barry Poole Jr.; and her sisters, Wendy Maltese and Terri Sluganski. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Katrina Poole and Ashley Gonzalez (children of Brad), Christopher Duersch and Katie Meyer (children of Cinnamon), and Meghan Poole (child of Barry Jr.).

Gayle was a loving aunt to Sarah, Shela and the late Officer Sean Sluganski; and to Christopher Maltese, Michael Maltese, and Mackenzie DiFiore. She also leaves behind eight beloved grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Marilyn Williams, and her nephew, police officer Sean Sluganski.

Gayle's family takes comfort in knowing she rests peacefully in the arms of the Lord, her gentle spirit forever shining in the lives she touched.

Cheers to the woman who put her entire heart and efforts into all that she did, you are deeply loved and will be forever missed.

A service will be held on April 7, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas