Gayle Wood

Gayle E. Wood GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Gayle E. Wood, 69, passed away Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, N.D. Gayle Leigh English was born Nov. 17, 1940, the daughter of Earl W. and Helena A. (Parron) English in Norfolk. She graduated from high school in Norfolk and then entered the U.S. Navy in 1961. She was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1963. That year she married L.E. Wood in Pensacola, Fla. Gayle began her civil service career in 1964 and lived in the state of Michigan. Her civil service career sent her all over the world and with it, many amazing travel stories that fit her character. She moved to Grand Forks in August of 1997, and after 31 years of civil service employment, retired as a court reporter in March of 2003. "They say you can't pick your family, and although I know that is true, if I had been given a choice, Gayle would have been the 'Big Sister' I would have chosen. She was the finest role model any little girl could have. Throughout my life she has been my best friend, strongest supporter and fiercest defender. Gayle lived her whole life 'All Ahead Full', no back up or quit in her. She lived every day to the fullest. I will miss her." She is survived by her sister, Linda Funkhouser, Grand Forks, and brother, Earl (Mariko), Forrest City, N.C. She was preceded in death by her parents. In lieu of flowers, the family requests for memorial contributions to The Christian Church Of Virginia, 1290 Enterprise Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502 or any church or charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, in the Gregory J. Norman Funeral Chapel, 2950 S. Washington St., Grand Forks. The family greeting will be held one hour prior to the service in the chapel on Monday. Military honors will be conducted by Members of the American Legion Post 157, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the North Dakota National Guard. The online memorial registry may be signed at www. normanfuneral.com. Gregory J. Norman-Norman Funeral Home, So. Washington St.