Gayle Marie Zimmerman
May 31, 1956 ~ November 2, 2025
Born in:
Denver, Colorado
Resided in:
Grand Junction, Colorado
Gayle Marie (Canada) Zimmerman went to be with her Savior Jesus Christ November 2, 2025, after a long, courageously fought battle with cancer.
Gayle was born May 31, 1956, in Denver, Colorado, to Robert and Shirley Canada. She was the 3rd of 6 children, Valerie, Michael, Kathleen, Danette, and Herb. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1974, where she met the love of her life Gordon Zimmerman, whom she married February 2, 1974. They had 2 children, Amber and Ashlie.
Gayle held a number of professions, including being a stay-at-home mom and childcare provider, school district food service manager, and mortgage loan originator. She loved traveling, always looking forward to and planning her next voyage. She loved camping, boating, and fishing. She enjoyed crafts like sewing, knitting, and crocheting. There were always delicious aromas coming from the kitchen, as she loved cooking and canning. She was known for her regular walks around the neighborhood, especially when she was accompanied by her grand puppies. And every Sunday, she could be found cheering on her favorite NASCAR driver.
As much as she enjoyed all her hobbies, her pride and joy were her grandchildren. Her brightest smiles came from watching their activities and spending time with them—and always getting pictures. Her grandkids knew they would get away with the mischief their parents would never allow, and there would always be ice cream and pretzels for a bedtime snack.
Everyone that met Gayle was made to feel special, welcomed, and loved. She hosted birthday meals for her entire family, complete with their choice of dessert. On top of birthdays, Easter brunch, Thanksgiving dinner, and Christmas dinner for the entire extended family were always at Grandma Gayle’s table.
She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Shirley, and her brother Michael.
She is survived by her loving husband Gordon, her daughters Amber Bunk (Brian) and Ashlie Zimmerman, and her 4 grandchildren Clayton (Lexi), Cole (Kaelyn), Carson, and Chloe, her 2 step-grandchildren Hailey (Nick) and Mason (Tessa), her great-grandson Sawyer, and her grand puppies Cujo, Paislie, Otis, and Wrigley.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Fellowship Church, 765 24 Rd, Grand Junction.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to St. Jude in her honor.
Services
Celebration of Life: November 21, 2025 11:00 am
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Mom, We love you and you will forever be in our hearts and the memories will always be with us. Amber
RIP my sweet dear friend. I’ve known you for over 50 years. Over time our lives drifted apart but my love for you never dwindled. When we did reconnect over 5 years ago, it was just like old times. You were such a great friend to me and we did share some fun and crazy times with all our friends back in the day. I have always admired you for the wife and mother you were. Your love for your family shows in your husband and daughters. Gordon, Amber and Ashlie, this will be one of the most difficult times of your lives. Just know your wife and mother is no longer in pain. Cherish each and every moment you had with her. Sending my love and hugs.
Annette (Phelan) Deyle
Gayle was a force! Very early in our marriage, my husband and I found ourselves meeting with her to discuss purchasing our first home. She was gentle with us and steered us down a path to success. We stayed in contact all these years later knowing she was a gift placed in our path for many reasons. You were loved.
You welcomed my dad, myself, and my brother into your family with open arms. Including our spouses in with that. You always made sure we had what we needed and were always on top of setting up times for get togethers for birthdays and celebrations. I will forever be grateful for your kindness. Thank you for being a positive light for us, while battling the illness that was present. You are so loved and so missed dearly. Rest easy up there, we’ll meet up again someday.
Love, Hailey
Family of Gayle, I have good memories of Gayle as we spent many hours working together at the same company for quite awhile, also doing business together at her other careers. I loved sharing her travels as she shared them on Facebook with so many. I am truly sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful soul and will be truly missed.
I’ve been friends with Gail some high school. She was always so sweet. My condolences to her family.