Gayle Otaline Freeman, born on January 20, 1953, in Carthage, Missouri, to Nelson and Melva Hency. She passed away in the early morning hours on January 28, 2026. Her last moments were spent in her home in Fayetteville with her husband, Wade Freeman.
Known for her love of playing the piano, listening to various music like Elvis Presley, Abba, Crystal Gayle, etc., and baking for holidays and customers – homemade rolls and homemade pies at the Rolling Pin Cafe which she helped open in 1993. She will be missed by all who knew her. Gayle’s family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life, not the sadness of her passing.
She is survived by her husband Wade Freeman of Fayetteville, two brothers, older brother Verl Hency and his wife Diana Hency, younger brother David Hency and a younger sister Elayne James, her son, Travis and his wife Devona Freeman, her daughters Alexis Freeman & Gayla Freeman O’Neal, her beloved grandchildren, Anthony Murphy and his wife Amber and their 3 children, Marlee, Holden and Waylon. Courtney Murphy and her 2 daughter’s Lanie and Bailey, Parker Murphy. Brenna Freeman – and son’s Jace and Jaxson. Gianna Thornhill and her husband Tyce and her son Aiden, Tanisha Freeman and Travis Freeman, and Kennedy O’Neal, and many cousins.
The family is working on a date and location for the memorial and will welcome friends at that time. Flowers are welcome, but unnecessary.