Gayle Patricia Laeder

Gayle Patricia Laeder of Caro, age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro, following a lingering illness. Gayle was born August 20, 1938 in Port Huron, the first child born to the late James and Joy Bryce. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Deckerville High School with the class of 1956. Following her graduation from high school, she attended Broome Technical College in Binghamton, New York. Gayle's first job was as a histologist and laboratory assistant at Binghamton General Hospital. In 1959, she returned to Michigan to marry her high school classmate and fianc, Ron. They made their first home together at Central Michigan University where Ron was a student and came to Caro in 1961 to live, work and raise their family. Gayle and Ron celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary in August of 2019. In Caro, Gayle was first employed as treasurer of the Tuscola Education Employees Credit Union. She later became a laboratory assistant at Caro Community Hospital for several years. After retirement, Gayle began her career as a porcelain artist and other artistic creations. She was known for her hand-painted porcelain jewelry and ornaments. She attended art shows and exhibitions throughout the United States and Europe. Gayle was a member of the Caro United Methodist Church, a forty-nine-year member of the Caro Garden Club, member of the Galloway Porcelain Art Guild, Frankenmuth Bavarian Artists, and the Saginaw Area Porcelain Artists. Nationally, she was a member of the International Porcelain Artists and Teachers Association and the World Organization of China Painters. She was an avid reader and book collector, and enjoyed gardening, crocheting, quilting and all forms of painting. She loved traveling with Ron throughout the United States and their special trips to Italy, Ireland, and Alaska. Especially enjoyable for Ron and Gayle were their trips to visit their children and grandchildren. Her quick wit, subtle humor and creative mind will be missed by all who knew her and loved her. Gayle loved her family and enjoyed creating beautiful things for them. In addition to her devoted husband, Ron, cherishing memories of their mom and grandma are two daughters, Tori (Michael) Francis of Montana and Amanda Hendren of Florida; four grandchildren, Liz (Adam) Tunning of Montana, Emily (Liaoda) Francis of China, Olivia Hendren of Florida, Matthew Hendren of Florida; two great-grandchildren, Davidson and Juliette Tunning of Montana; her siblings, Kay (Frank) Slowinski of Port Huron, Lynda Bryce of Harbor Beach, Stewart (Carolyn) Bryce of Bellaire, Stephen (Theresa) Bryce of Texas, and Ann (Richard) Peters of Wyoming; many caring nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends; along with her loving dog, Annie, and her mischievous cat, Ittie Bittie Kittie. In addition to her parents, Gayle was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Charlotte Francis of Montana. In keeping with Gayle's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Caro Garden Club, P.O. Box 531, Caro, MI 48723. The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful staff and caregivers of the Tuscola County Medical Care Community, and a special thank you to her good friend and caregiver, Sheri Rundel of Caro.