Gayle L. Thompson Rodgers

Gayle Leigh Thompson Rodgers, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 27th, 2026 in Littleton, Colorado at the age of 80. A whirlwind of energy, a lifelong learner, and a champion for her community, Gayle lived a full life defined by adventure, having fun, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to those around her. Known for her contagious laugh, positive outlook on life, love of getting to know everyone she met, and her uncanny ability to create a meal out of any ingredients without a recipe, she left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Gayle was born on January 25, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Ann and Cliff Thompson. Gayle was raised in St. Louis Park and Edina, alongside her younger brother Richard. She attended Edina High School and was a member at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Gayle’s parents instilled in her a spirit of adventure from a young age, packing the family car to drive across the United States each summer. They also found enjoyment in celebrating their Norwegian ancestry through cooking, art and community.

Gayle attended Iowa State University, where she graduated in 1968 with a degree in Home Economics Education—the foundation for a lifetime of passion in nutrition, crafting, and entertaining. While at ISU, she joined Delta Delta Delta sorority, where she made lifelong friendships. She met her husband, Blaine Rodgers, when they both were in Organic Chemistry class. They married after graduation on August 10, 1968, beginning a partnership that spanned
over five decades.

They moved to Minnesota after graduation and lived with Gayle’s grandparents, Henry and Hilma Thompson. Gayle started her career as a Home Economics teacher at Nokomis Jr. High School in Minneapolis (1969–1976). Blaine was in the Army and was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea, near the DMZ. Gayle continued to teach during his service, but during summer break in 1970, she went to visit Blaine. She lived in Seoul and would go to see Blaine on the weekends. While there, they were able to travel to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. After Blaine returned from the service, they bought their first home in Burnsville, MN, and in 1976 they welcomed their son, Scott Andrew. In 1977, they relocated to Denver, CO and in 1979, they welcomed their daughter, Sunniva Helene.

A natural entrepreneur, Gayle started an in-home daycare in order to stay home with her children. Later, in 1985 she established Preferred Bindery and operated it for over 20 years before “retiring”. Her leadership and eye for excellence earned her several prestigious printing business awards and led her to serve as the President of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the President of the Printing Industries of America and Chairman of Printing and Imaging Association Mountain States (PIAMS).

Gayle’s energy was boundless. She didn’t just live in a neighborhood; she was a driving force to make it a better place for all. In her early parenting years, she helped spearhead a neighborhood babysitting co-op and a food co-op. Later, she revitalized the Hampden South Neighborhood Association and was the President for many years. As a gifted communicator, she was an active member of Toastmasters International. She was proud of her Norwegian roots and was a lifetime member and participant of the Sons of Norway. Throughout the kids’ schooling, she was always a part of the PTA, and she volunteered at endless nonprofits whose missions were to improve the lives of children, women and the environment. She was an active member at Epiphany Lutheran Church for over 45 years. No matter the organization, Gayle could be counted on to lead, frequently serving as President or Treasurer. She was also a lifelong learner, continuing to take classes and seminars on topics that she found interesting, and later in life she learned Rosemaling (a Norwegian folk decorative painting style).

Truly ahead of her time, Gayle was a lifelong champion of health and wellness. She found joy in nourishing those she loved with homemade meals made from scratch and was always eager to share her knowledge on nutrition and fitness. Her passion for people extended into her deep commitment to social justice; she was a tireless advocate who gave generously of her time and resources to the causes she held dear. True to her upbringing, Gayle was an adventurous traveler, visiting 39 countries and 48 US States. When she wasn’t traveling, she found joy in gardening, skiing, reading, sewing, being with her children & grandchildren, and getting to meet & talk with people.

Gayle often said her greatest legacy was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Blaine Rodgers; her brother Dick (Carol) Thompson; her son Scott (Jill) Rodgers; grandchildren Oliver, Alice, and Teddy Rodgers; her daughter Sunniva “Sunni” (Michael) Rodgers Lamond; and grandchildren Maxwell and Callum Lamond.

Memorial Service:
Date/Time: Friday 05/29/2026 at 10:00AM

Place: Epiphany Lutheran Church, 790 S. Corona St., Denver, CO 80209

Memorial Donations: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any of the
following:

The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
Sons of Norway Foundation
Epiphany Lutheran Churc