Gayla Denise Shreve

Gayla Denise Shreve, passed away on January 22, 2026, in Lancaster, Kansas. She was born on December 31, 1960, in Kansas City, MO. 

Gayla previously worked at Valley Hope in Atchison and RCI in Horton, and most recently served as a Senior Administrative Assistant for the Department for Children and Families in Atchison. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to those who played a crucial role in keeping Gayla's spirit alive in her later years, including her special friends Barb Morris-Piper, Bill Piper, Coleen Cavanaugh, and her many co-workers at Atchison DCF.

Gayla spent over fifteen years with Nelson Burge and they had two children who became her pride and joy and later her grandchildren added to that joy. She cherished her role as a mother to Lacee (Thomas) Coan, Jake (Stephanie) Burge and as a grandmother to Callie Burge, Soyer Coan, and Shelbii Coan. Gayla poured her love into her family, caring deeply for those around her, particularly for her parents, Jack Franklin Shreve and Patricia Sue (Gibson) Shreve, as they aged.

In addition to her family, Gayla possessed a vibrant spirit that drew others to her. She had a great love for soap operas, particularly General Hospital and Grey's Anatomy, and she found joy in caring for her many dogs over the last 20 years—now reunited with them. Gayla was also a gifted storyteller, captivating her friends and loved ones with tales that could go on for hours.

She is survived by her cherished children, adoring grandchildren, and siblings, including Laura (Mark) Wheatley and Rick (Gaynell) Shreve. She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Clifford Ditto.

The family would like to thank, Debbie Fite & Gary Fite for the care and love that they have given to Gayla’s daughter, Gini Fite (Tyee Parrott).

Cremation care has been provided by the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home and no services are being planned at this time.