Bleadorn, Gayle Ann

Gayle Ann Bleadorn, 60, of Monticello, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, after a courageous battle with cancer. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello, where a parish Scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Monticello. Burial: Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monticello. Officiating will be the Rev. Keith Birch.

Gayle was born July 4, 1950, in Cascade, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas and Aletha (Takes) Hughes. Gayle graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1968 and attended University College of Cosmetology in Iowa City. She married Billy “Brownie” Bleadorn on July 31, 1976, in Monticello. Gayle was self-employed as a beauty operator for 30 years. She also worked for MC Industries for 10 years. Billy and Gayle owned and operated Brownies Canoe Rental for several years. They enjoyed their yearly trips to the Old Thresher's Reunion.

Gayle was a very creative person who loved to sew and watch birds outside her kitchen window. Being the oldest of 13 children, Gayle was very motherly toward her siblings and was an excellent role model. Her loving smile and nurturing personality will be greatly missed. Gayle faced death as she did life, with dignity, humor, courage and concern for her family.

Gayle is survived by her devoted husband of 33 years, Billy; her mother, Aletha Hughes; 12 siblings, Russell (Danica) Hughes, Al Hughes, Gus (Julie) Hughes of Anamosa, Red (Joyce) Hughes, Mary Kay Hughes, Jann (Terry) Turnis, Lois J. Hughes of North Liberty, Rob Hughes, Rich (Suzy) Hughes of Delhi, Gary Hughes, Diane Hughes of Anamosa and Lisa (Adam) Gonzales of Austin, Texas; and nieces and nephews, Jenny (Matt) Lahr, Mikki (Kraig) Manternach, Angie (Tim) Fangmann, Jessica (Tom) Hunter, Justin Hunter, Jalyse (Corey) Hunter, Shannon (Brant) McElmeel, Jason McElmeel, Luke (Diane) McElmeel, Nic (Michelle) McElmeel, Lexi (Jon) Etringer, Travis Hughes, Nikki, Austin, and Dalton Hughes, Trevor and Elijah Hughes, Zac Martinsen, Jacob, Marina, and Joaquin Gonzales.

She was preceded in death by her father, Tom Hughes in 2001.

A memorial has been established in Gayle's memory.

Information available and condolences accepted at