Valerie Gayle Gross Keith, 79, passed away on February 26, 2024, in Brownwood, Texas surrounded by her girls. She was born on August 21, 1944, in Fredericksburg, Texas to William F. Gross and Millie Emelia Wartenbach Gross. She graduated from Mason High School in 1962. She married the love of her life, Jerry Dean Keith on March 7, 1964, and together they had three daughters.

Gayle was a loving and devoted wife, proud Momma, the best Nana, and a faithful Christian. Gayle had a beautiful voice and sang often in the First Baptist Church of Mason. She and Jerry owned and operated a restaurant in Mason for several years until she decided to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. She went to LVN school in Brady and during her nursing career she was a Nursing Home Activity Director and worked at the Mason Memorial Hospital and MKM Home Health for many years. She was the best cook, loved driving the backroads with Jerry and spending time with her family and friends. Many vacations were spent on the Llano River and an abundance of memories were made. Gayle could lay out a sandwich buffet like no other and could prepare the best Chinese food when her girls' friends came over!

She is survived by her daughter Christy Ake (Chris); daughter Lisa Edmiston (Gene); granddaughters Heather Isbell (Willie) and Courtney Ake; grandsons Errett Edmiston (Tatum) and Jonathan Schilling; great grandchildren Zak, Taylor, Payton, Devin, Slater, Kayden, Keilei, Caden, Cora, Collins, and Jackson; great-great granddaughter Noa; sister Willa Mae McCollum and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband Jerry; parents Willie and Millie Gross, siblings Marie Allen, Patsy Moellering, and Ervin Gross; daughter Cindy Keith and grandson Cracker Crouch.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, with visitation at 1pm followed by service at 2 pm at the Mason Funeral Home. A private burial at Gooch Cemetery for immediate family will follow.

The family would like to express our sincerest appreciation to all the staff at Redstone Assisted Living for the friendship, wonderful care and love given to our Momma, with special mention of Bridney, Amy, and Mitch for their selfless love towards our sweet Momma. To the staff of Fresenius Kidney Center of Brownwood for their care during her dialysis treatment and to Solaris Hospice for providing comfort in her final days.

Honorary pallbearers are Errett Edmiston, Caden Crouch, Willie Isbell, Slater Isbell, Kayden Isbell, Zak Keith, and Devin Keith.

Donations may be made to the Mason Cancer Benefit.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at masonfuneralhome.net