Gayle (Quillen) VanNostrand

Gayle (Quillen) VanNostrand, 89, of Bloomington passed away on April 20, 2023 at her home. She was born May 15, 1933 in Bloomington, Indiana, the daughter of Joseph Earl and Vesta Hazel (Butcher) Quillen. Gayle was a 1951 graduate of Smithville High School and stayed very involved with her classmates and fellow alumna throughout her entire life. She married the love of her life, Carlos Earl VanNostrand, Jr., and spent the rest of her life in her hometown of Bloomington, Indiana. Gayle worked for Sarkes Tarzian in assembly and then as a supervisor for over thirty years before retiring. Gayle was a lifelong member of Valley Mission Nazarene Church in Bedford where she was very involved and deeply loved by her church family. Over the years, she volunteered as an adult Sunday school teacher, worked VBS every year, and proudly took attendance during the service each Sunday morning, even up to the Sunday before she passed. Having no children of her own, Gayle became a mother and grandmother to countless people who loved her dearly. She had a way of making everyone feel incredibly special and cared for. She took the time to hand draw, color, and cut out holiday magnets for children in her family and church family. She was sharp as a tack, even in her final years and enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, sewing, crocheting, coloring intricate pictures, and watching movies…especially ones starring John Wayne! She led a Bible study and a movie night at her living community for decades and never knew a stranger. Gayle was also a huge fan of IU soccer and had season tickets. She tried to go to every home game when she was able. She was an incredibly special woman who knew how to look on the bright side of things and make the most out of her life. She loved her family and church family and will be greatly missed by many. Gayle is survived by her sisters, Lois Followell of Nashville and Brenda (Jack) Earnshaw of Martinsville; her nephews: Dennis (Lisa) Followell of Paoli, Tom Earnshaw of Martinsville, John Scott (Paula Kay) Earnshaw of Martinsville; and nieces: Terri (Marc) Kirkham of Nashville, Linda (Randy) Brown of Mooresville, and Rita Weber of Mooresville; great-nephews: Brandon Kirkham, of Nashville, Derrick (Jayme) Brown of Massachusetts, Nicholas Day, and Jeremiah and John Kolton Earnshaw of Martinsville; and great-nieces: Stephanie (Levi) Gilbert, of Bloomington, Kristina (Nathan) Ralph of Greenwood, Emily and Kendra Earnshaw of Nashville, McKenzie Followell of Paoli, Bonnie Earnshaw of Martinsville, and Annie Day; great-great nieces: Rosemary Gilbert of Bloomington, and Adiana and Alanna Earnshaw of Martinsville; and great-great nephews: Andrew and Michael Ralph of Greenwood, Evan Brown of MA, and Emmanuel Gilbert of Bloomington as well as countless friends who she considered to be her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Earl and Vesta Quillen; and her husband, Carlos E. VanNostrand. A funeral service will be held at 12:00pm Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the Allen Funeral Home 4155 S. Old St Rd 37 Bloomington with Rev. John Paulus officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00am to service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Mission Nazarene Church or your local Humane Society. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com.

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Gayle (Quillen) VanNostrand

May 15, 1933 - April 20, 2023