Gayle laced her running shoes for her final morning run,
“This is the day the Lord hath made” as she greeted the morning sun.
Celebrating a life well lived in her effort to strive, thrive and live.
With gratitude of family, friends and coworkers, to the end, a smile she did give.
On March 15, 2019, Gayle Larson Moon passed away surrounded by her family.
Gayle was born on April 27, 1954 to James G. and Opal Larson in Shelby, MT. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood playing outdoors, bicycling, Girl Scouts, volunteering, singing, playing the piano, and running track. In 1971, Gayle was crowned Toole County Junior Miss and was first runner-up in the state pageant. During summers, she worked in the family business, Larson Clothing Company.
Upon graduation from Shelby High School in 1972, she attended Pacific Lutheran University. She transferred to the University of Montana where she earned a degree in Business Administration-Accounting emphasis. In November 1977, she was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant.
Gayle served the State of Montana for 37 years. She began her career in 1978 as a Legislative Auditor, served as the first financial manager for the Montana Lottery, and spent 26 years with the Board of Investments (BOI). She retired from BOI in 2015 as Chief Financial Manager. Governor Steve Bullock honored Gayle’s tenure with a letter of commendation.
In 1981, she met Bob Moon at Crossroads Health Club. They were engaged in 1983. Gayle was honored to join Bob and his daughters, Dawn and Molly, in marriage on a rainy/snowy day, August 20, 1983. Bob and Gayle were blessed with their daughters Allison in 1986 and Ashley in 1990.
Bob and Gayle enjoyed many adventures: honeymooning on the West Coast in a brand new Honda Prelude, traveling to Singapore, Indonesia, London, Alaska, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Mexico, and the Panama Canal. Gayle enjoyed annual trips to the family condo and cabin in Whitefish, Glacier National Park, and Green Valley, AZ.
Community service and staying active were themes throughout Gayle’s life. She volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church as a Sunday school teacher, and as a Camp Fire leader. She was an avid runner. At age 60, shortly after receiving her cancer diagnosis, she won first in her age group in the Governor’s Cup 5K! She enjoyed waterskiing, cross country and downhill skiing, golfing, reading, walking, and capturing family memories in books.
Gayle was an inspiration with her incredible strength, perseverance, and faith. She was positive, healthy, driven, and thoughtful. She will be remembered for the love she had for her family, caring nature, generosity, intelligence, willingness to learn, the joy of completing financial reconciliations, and encouragement of others to pursue their dreams. Relationships were of utmost importance.
Gayle courageously and gracefully navigated her cancer diagnosis. Her walks to and from the Cancer Treatment Center were admirable. The family extends its gratitude to the staff, nurses, Emily Burton, Dr. Weiner, and Dr. Capino, who she described as dear friends over the years.
Gayle is survived by her husband, Bob Moon; mother, Opal Larson; sisters, Sandra (Paul) Steiner and Wendy (Bob) Elisha; daughters, Ashley Moon, Allison Moon, Molly (Won) Yi, Dawn (Andy) Thompson; nieces and nephews, Kevin Steiner, Marie (Ryan) Nelson, Brian (Taylor) Chuckran, Anna (Gavin) Latham; grandchildren, Austin and Alexis Yi, Simone and Marcus Thompson; great-nephew and nieces. She was preceded in death by her father, James G. Larson; in-laws, Austin and Marcella Moon; uncle, Allan Larson; and the family cat, Buttons.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 24th at the Downstairs at the Brewhouse, 939 ½ Getchell Street, in Helena. A memorial service celebrating Gayle’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 25th at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street in Helena. A light reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Montana Heritage Center of the Montana Historical Society, P.O. Box 201201, Helena, Montana 59602 or Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp (Shelby Cabin), 21339 Methodist Camp Road, Rollins, Montana 59931.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday March 24, 2019
Downstairs at the Brewhouse
939 1/2 Fetchell Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 25, 2019
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Monday March 25, 2019
St Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helana, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday March 24, 2019
Downstairs at the Brewhouse
939 1/2 Fetchell Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 25, 2019
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Monday March 25, 2019
St Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helana, Montana 59601
Share
Sally Russell says
Bob and family, there are no words that will express our most deepest sadness to hear this news. Although we know it is a great comfort knowing she is now pain free and at peace with her Lord and Savior. Hope you all know you are in our hearts, and also know we are there in spirit offering the support that we can. We love each and everyone of you so much and you will be in our thoughts and prayers,now, and the days ahead. God Bless!
Jill Shea says
Bob and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all.
Terry Harris says
Bob, I am sorry to hear of Gayle’s passing. To you and the family please know that you are in my prayers. RIP Gayle.
Tom Naegele says
Bob and Family,
Prayers of Loving Support to you all in this difficult time and beyond. I so enjoyed sharing with Gayle & You at St Paul’s or at St Peter’s. Gayle is at Peace now and in the Loving presence of God.
Lois Neal says
Bob, Allison and Ashley,
What a sad loss for you and for all who knew Gayle. I am holding you all close in my heart.
Lois
Duane and Barb Robertson says
Bob and family, we were shocked and so saddened to hear of Gayle’s passing. We know the battle she was so bravely fighting and are heartsick but also know she is now at peace. We wish we could be there for her funeral but know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Duane and Barb Robertson
Carroll and Marsha South says
We are saddened by Gayle’s passing and will miss her walking/running by our house. I worked with Gayle for 19 years and found her dedicated and a very nice person. Our condolences the the Moon family and I will miss seeing her on my morning walks.
Carroll and Marsha
The Baham Family says
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss, please accept my condolence. I hope the memories you shared together can bring you comfort during this difficult time. I also hope the words shared in John 5:28,29 can also help soothe you.
Lorry Parriman says
Bob and family, so sorry to hear of Gayle’s passing. I worked with Gayle many, many years in State government. She was one of my supervisor’s right out of college and I learned a lot from Gayle. She will be missed.
Kara Connors says
Bob and Family, so sorry to hear about Gayle. Thank you both for being such great friends to my family! Gayle, will truly be missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Kara, Casey, Kylee, Danny, Emily, and Joey Connors
Linda Rullman says
Bob and family,
We offer our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roy & Linda Rullman
Darryl & Mary Lou Bruno says
Bob and Family
Lou and I are sorry to hear of Gayle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Melanie Ruby says
Bob and daughters, I worked with Gayle for many years at the Dept. Of Commerce; my husband worked directly for her for a year in 2001, she was so very competent and a great person to work with. We are very sad to hear this news. Our heartfelt sympathy is with you all, for someone gone too soon. Melanie & Joe Ruby
Scott and Julie Frickel says
Bob: So very sorry to read of the loss of your wife. May cherished memories help you through this difficult time and bring you comfort in the future.
Judy Martin says
My dear sweet classmate Gail, class of 1972 Shelby HS… rest in peace my friend. Prayers and healing for your family, Love you Gail.
Barney Brandt says
Bob: The last time I saw you, you approached me in the lobby of the Hospital and was comforting me about my wife being ill. I did not realize at the time that your wife was that ill. I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers and may God be with you.
Deb & Randy Holm says
Bob, Allison, Ashley & family,
We are so very sad to hear about Gayle. She was always more like a sister, than my cousin. We loved Gayle and she will be dearly missed. We wish we could comfort you and ease your pain. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
Cathy Champion-Predmore says
Bob, Ashley and Allison – I’m thinking of you and wishing you comfort. I remember how her smile would light up the room and how proud she was of you girls. Lots of love.
Gail DeBono says
Bob & Family,
I’m so sorry about Gayle. I’ve missed seeing you at CVS so I had no idea she was sick again. My heart goes out to you. Hugs
Teri Juneau says
Bob and Family,
I’m sorry to hear this. I enjoyed working with Gayle and really respected her work. My thoughts are with you.
Judy Curtiss says
Bob and Family. So sorry for your loss. I worked with Gayle while I was at Department of Commerce. She was a neat lady. She will be missed. Judy Curtis
Diedre Turner says
Oh, Bob, I am so sad to learn of Gayle’s death. She fought the fight valiantly, with dignity. That beautiful, kind woman will be sorely missed. Love and sympathy to you and your family. Dee Turner
Jim Penner says
I am very sorry to hear of Gayle’s passing. I worked with Gayle at Board of Investments for 15 years and she was always professional and a very gracious lady. My sympathy goes out to Gayle’s family.
Don Pratt says
Bob and Family. So sorry to hear of Gayle’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. If there is anything I can ddo to help please cdall on me. I am at Amy’s in Texas at this time so will be unable to attrnd the service.
Brittney Wilburn (Nicholls) says
Ashley, Allison and Bob,
My dearest condolences to you guys! What a wonderful lady gone to soon!
Patty and Randy says
Bob, Ashley, Allison and family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Ours hearts are broken and we will miss Gayle so much. We are forever grateful that we were able to share fun times together. What a wonderful soul, who left this world too soon. We wish you strength and peace in the days ahead.
Our deepest condolences,
Randy and Patty
Crystal Amundson says
Allison, Ashley, & Bob-
We are sending prayers of comfort, hoping you feel held by support as you sit in grief. Your mama was an incredible woman & the world just isn’t as bright without her. Know that you are loved and her life and love and legacy will not be forgotten.
Tyler & Crystal Amundson
Bob Pennington says
Bob and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Gayle was a wonderful woman. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill Coddington says
Hello Bob we’re so sorry to learn how of Gayle’s passing. She was such a sweet soul.
Bill and Judy Coddington
Tim Easton says
Bob and family.
So sorry for your loss.
God Bless and God Speed.
Sally Peters Aschim says
Gayle and I were Shelby High grads, she the class of ’72, me the class of ’71. Her beautiful persona, soft spoken voice and tender giggle were a part of her ladylike charisma. I had the privilege of crowning her Toole County’s Jr. Miss as Gayle was my “successor”. As the years have passed, I lost touch. I had no idea the talented Gayle was fighting a mighty cancer battle. The Earth has one Angel less, Heaven one more. Sincere sympathies to all who loved and admired this wonderful young lady.
Rosanne says
Allison and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find the “peace that passéth understanding.”
Allison, your mother was an amazing, strong woman.
Memories, Allison of when you would come over and hang out!
Bless you.
Rosanne Burnham
Sue Stanchfield Kuhn says
Dear Bob, Ashley, Molly, Dawn & Opal…
I had the privilege of growing up in THE NEIGHBORHOOD – surrounded by Hemmers, Berubes, Darts, Coolidges
Corkeries and – not least – The Larsons!
We Stanchfield girls spent countless hours with Gayle
building forts, playing tag, sledding, riding bikes, walking to summer bible school , playing Annie Annie I Over, hawking our childhood services as THE HAPPY HELPERS CLUB and – most importantly – establishing lifelong friendships …
You lost one of the sweetest girls around!
I send my Love…
Sue Stanchfield Kuhn
Glenwood Springs , Colorado
Mark Barry says
Bob and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Gayle was a sweet lady and she will be missed.
Sue Stanchfield Kuhn says
Wendy and Sandy….
The Love of a Sister is Forever…
Not a day will go by when you don’t think of Gayle…
“Speak” with Gayle 💜… laugh with Gayle…
Pattie & I live this reality every day without OUR sister – Linda…
Gayle’s absence will be your glue!
Hold each other close!
Sue Stanchfield Kuhn
Margaret Kernan says
Bob, Ashley, Allison, Molly and Dawn,
My prayers and love go out to all of you. I am so very sorry for your loss of Gayle. May her faith, strength and courage, and the grace of God, bring you comfort.
Peace and prayers,
Margy Kernan
Cheri & Don Nelson says
Bob and family–Our sincere sympathy in your loss. Gayle will certainly be missed by many whose lives she touched. She certainly was a caring, talented and accomplished lady. We enjoyed meeting her and your family at Marie and Ryan’s wedding. May God bless you and keep you in His care. With love and prayers, Cheri & Don Nelson
Nancy Nys says
Bob and family. I had no idea that Gayle was ill. I have not seen her for several years, but we started our friendship working together at the lottery in 1987. She was a wonderful person and she will be greatly missed. Nancy Nys
Sid and Connie Woldtvedt says
To all of Gayle’s family. We were so sorry to hear of Gayle’s ending to her hard journey of the last several years. We are thinking of you and extend our condolence to you all. She was a fine lady.
Richard Sutton says
My thoughts and Prayers are with are with you Bob and all of your family. I did not know her but I can see that she was an extraordinary accomplished woman who was loved by family and friends very much.
Jim Stipcich says
Bob and family. Gayle was a wonderful person that will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to all of you.
Dave Van Nice says
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Jodi says
Bob, Dawn, Molly, Allison, Ashley, and families,
We are so sad to learn of Gayle’s passing, thinking how we saw you both at Grandstreet just before heading to AZ. She inspired and continues to inspire those fighting this disease, what a warrior! She never gave up, never gave in. A remarkable spirit, attitude, beautiful inside and out. We are sorry to not be able to get to Helena by Monday to be at her memorial service. I am humbled and honored to have been asked to sing, so sorry I cannot fulfill the request.
Big hugs and much love to you all.
Jodi Mattson and John Perros
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Bob ,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours GOD BLESS………………..
Corky And MaryEllen Hull says
So sorry for your loss Money. She was a wonderful, beautiful and courageous lady.
R.I. P. Gayle
Eileen Pearson says
Dear Bob, Aunt Opal and family
We are so sorry to hear of Gayle’s passing. She certainly was an amazing woman. Our prayers are with all of you.
Eileen and Jim Pearson, Bill and Aleta Hall, and Larry and Tina Hall.
Mary Zoellner says
To Bob and family & friends of Gayle, I send my deepest sympathies. May you all find peace in the joyful memories of your time with Gayle. I didn’t know her well, but she invited me into her golf circle allowing me to gain some fabulous friends to share Wednesdays with. She was a woman with a big welcoming heart! Peace to you Gayle. We miss you.
Dave and Karen Lewis says
Gayle was a wonderful lady. Cared deeply for her family, a consumate professional, and a loyal employee. Too young, too soon to pass.
Lauren Murphy says
Gayle and I were RA’s (resident assistants) in Missoula together. She was always so bubbly, friendly and happy. She was great to be around. Whenever I would see her around Helena, that same personality came through. She was such a joyful person. I feel honored to have known her.
My prayers are with all her family.
Andy O’Neill says
Bob, I was saddened to learn of Gayle’s passing. Your love & commitment to each other was very evident. Sincere condolences. Andy O’Neill
G Scott Lockwood says
Bob, Allison& Ashley just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated Gayle. Only knew thru soccer but in that short time I got to know how special she is. Our living thoughts are with you.
Coralie Hunter Sciuchetti says
Bob Allison & Ashley. Just learned of Gayle’s passing. So thankful I had her as a boss & a friend! Many wonderful & fun thoughts! I am in Arizona so will be unable to attend her celebration of life! Take care. God Bless. I will be in touch.
Jim Nolan says
Bob, I am so sorry. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts.
Teresa Dills Custer says
Thinking of you Bob and your family. Our sincerest sympathy and condolences.
May wonderful memories be of comfort to you. Teresa Dills, Shelley Dills McCormack and Nate Dills
Ed kelly says
Bob
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time of loss
Ed Kelly
Larry Murphy says
Bob and family, so sad, you are in my thoughts and prayers
Spencer Sartorius says
Bob Jan and I are so very sorry to hear about Gayle’s passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Spencer Sartorius says
Bob, Jan and I were very sorry to hear a Gayle’s passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry & Mary Lopuch says
Bob, so sorry to hear of your loss, our deepest sympathy to you and you family.
Erica (Pimley) Zlomie says
Ashley and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gayle. Ashley was one of my first friends when I moved to Helena in 4th grade, and we spent a lot of time at the house by Lockey Park. Gayle was one of the warmest, friendliest people I have ever met. She always greeted you with a smile that lit up the whole room, a memory that is still so vivid after 20 years. I am praying for you guys during this unimaginable time of loss.
“Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.”
Isaiah 57:1-2
Steve and Kathy Springmeyer says
Bob and Family,
Sorry for the loss of your lovely wife and mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Jim Steiner says
To Gayle’s dear family, I was so saddened to hear of Gayle’s passing. I know she was a wonderful lady that could have only done good things. I was a classmate in junior high and high school with Gayle. She was not only one of the prettiest girls in the class but one of the most intelligent. She was shy but always very personable. She always had a positive word and excellent outlook on life. She will be missed. Sincerely, Jim Steiner, MD, Scottsdale, Az.
Sue Toppen says
I so enjoyed my short friendship with Gayle in Green Valley and in Montana. So sorry to hear of her passing. She bore the weight of her illness so amazingly that she was a an inspiration for all of us.
I’ll miss her.
Cathy Muri says
Bob and family
I was shocked to hear of Gayle’s passing. I’m at a loss for words! She was such a vibrant smart lady and I enjoyed her company so much when she visited Crestwood. She was great to work with when she was in State government. She will be missed.