Gayla Jo White (King)

Gayla Jo White (King), 60, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.  Cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, September 18, 2023 at Word of Life Church in Carlsbad.  Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Born February 8, 1963 in Carlsbad, NM, Gayla was raised and attended school in Carlsbad, graduating from High School in 1981.  Gayla began work at WIPP in 1993, working in Project Record Services for Westinghouse and a variety of subcontractors over the years, most recently, she worked in records supporting the Carlsbad Technical Assistance Contract (CTAC).  Her grandchildren, were the true loves of her life, followed closely by the Dallas Cowboys and her precious fur babies, Buster and Lulu.

Gayla was strong willed and stubborn at times, but she also had an enormous heart and

she will be remembered for all of the hugs she shared with her friends and family. Gayla will be missed by the many lifelong friends she made; she was truly Blessed to be loved by so many people.  At any given time, you might hear Gayla’s voice saying “Hi Honey” “you little ----’ and “you OK?”.   

Gayla is survived by her son, Tyler White and his wife, Ashley of Cloudcroft, NM; daughter, Sammie Jo White of Carlsbad, NM; grandchildren: Tyson Hochstein, Bryson Hochstein, Preston White, Aubrey Weyerman and David Weyerman; sister, Melissa Walterscheid and her husband, Phillip of Carlsbad, NM; special niece, Kimberlie Williamson and her husband, Daniel and their kids: Gavin and Nathan of Walker, Louisiana; nephew, Joshua Walterscheid of Carlsbad, NM; special cousins: Rhonda Blount and Cheryl Conklin, and many other cousins, nieces, nephews and her many special friends.

Gayla was predeceased by her mother, Linda Mears Gerrells; step-father, Walter Gerrells; father, LD (Bud) King and several aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Livestrong Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or your favorite drug rehabilitation charity.