Gayla Dawn (Jones) Kennemer, fondly known as "Lolly," was born on October 15, 1960, in Woodward, Oklahoma. She was the beloved daughter of Billy Jones and Billie (Kenrick) Jones Mayes and Donald Mayes. Gayla passed from this life on December 18, 2024, in Cordell, Oklahoma, at the age of 64.

Gayla's early years were spent in Vici, Oklahoma, before her family moved to Burns Flat, Oklahoma. She later attended Piedmont High School, where she excelled on the basketball court, earning All-State honors. A proud member of the Class of 1978, Gayla's talents and determination were evident in both academics and athletics. In 1979, she attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, and later pursued her passion for healthcare, earning her LPN certification in 1997 from the Western Oklahoma Technology Center in Burns Flat.

In 1980, Gayla married Mark Kennemer in Burns Flat, and together they were blessed with a daughter, Ashley Nicole.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed outdoors, reading, and crafting. Her greatest joy, however, came from moments shared with her family, especially her cherished granddaughters, Lexi and Livi.

Gayla was preceded in death by her grandparents, Obed and Glessnell Kenrick; her dad, Donald Mayes; her brother, Johnny Jones; and other dear loved ones.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, survived by her mother, Billie Mayes of Piedmont, Oklahoma; her daughter, Ashley Kennemer, and granddaughters, Lexi and Livi of Burns Flat, Oklahoma; and Mark Kennemer. She is also survived by her brother, Everett Jones, and his wife Shawnda; sisters, Sandy Chavez and Linda Mayes; brothers-in-law, Richard Cernosek and Shelby Stone; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Gayla's warmth, humor, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the joy found in family and the simple pleasures of life.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society
c/o Shaw Funeral Home
PO Box 276
Vici, OK 73859