Martha Gayle Tapley, nee Williams, 58, of Columbia, IL, born February 9, 1951, passed away from complications after surgery to repair an aortic dissection at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center on May 11, 2009.

Gayle was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Claude “Al” Tapley, whom she married on May 19, 1970 and who passed away on December 24, 2006. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Juanita (Polston) Williams and her aunt, Mary Elizabeth Polston.

Surviving are Al and Gayle’s two daughters, Amy Tapley (and Brian Niere) and Sarah (Phil) Caravia; two adored grandchildren, Bailey and Brady McAfee; a brother, Roy (Marcia) Williams; a sister, Joanne Combs; nephews Alex Williams, Jakob Combs, and Jordan Combs; a niece, Katie Williams; and many dear relatives and friends including Jim Chamberlain, John Maeras, Marsha Davis, Mei Knowlton, Diana Jones, and Danelle and Terry Delaney.

Gayle owned and operated a small confectionery in Millstadt, IL with her husband for 14 years. Over the past 15 years she worked for the Casino Queen in security and office administration roles. She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and granddogs, golfing with friends, exercising her green thumb and spending time outdoors.