of Everton, AR

September 12, 1937 - March 14, 2024

Gale Richard Utley, age 86, of Everton, AR passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024. He was born September 12, 1937, to Orville and Loreta (Bennett) Utley in Gillett Grove, Iowa. He was the 9th of 13 children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Loreta; his wife, Jeanette; his son, Richard Orville Utley; his siblings, Vita Mae Quist, Wanda Foster, Lucille Clayton, Kenneth Utley, Donald Utley, Robert Utley, Caroline Jones and Eula Belken; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Larry Quist, Larry Jones, Kenneth Cunningham, Gilbert Foster, Lyle Clayton, Sandy Utley, Peter Brustares, Jim Tiebrend and Dale Belken.

Gale married Jeanette in 1983 and they resided in Machesney Park, Illinois. After retiring from Hamilton Sundstrand Aviation they moved to Western Grove, Arkansas. They attended the Oak Lane Freewill Baptist Church. Gale was known for his sense of humor and his love for woodworking. He loved working in his shop making picnic tables, wishing wells, birdhouses and many other projects for his loved ones and friends. He enjoyed going out for coffee with his friends, riding around in his Kubota, working around the house and helping neighbors and friends. When he wasn't outside, you could find him relaxing in his recliner with his pets on his lap all around him. Gale and Jeanette enjoyed their pets and were known for rescuing animals. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

Gale is survived by his children, Cheri (David) Quick, Connie (Brad) Wright and Craig (Debbie) Utley and his step-daughters, Janis Taylor and Kim (Genea) Lorenz. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian (Janelle) Quick, Daniel (Karen) Quick, Amy (Derrick) Davis, Matt (Sarah) Wright, Michelle (Brad) Witmer, Megan Wright, Candice McClure, Anthony (Heather) Utley and Andrew (Amber) Utley, and his step-grandson, Jeff Gamble and 22 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Lillian Cunningham, Orlie (Gloria) Utley, Marilyn Brustares and Ann Tiebrend; his sister-in-law, Thelma Utley; special nieces, Roxy Schroeder and Sherri Hostetler-Hayes and many other nieces and nephews.



A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Oak Lane Freewill Baptist Church, 1624 AR-7, Harrison, AR. A luncheon followed the service.

The interment was at Western Grove Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, their love for animals in need will live on through your memorial donation to Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary, 22051 Old 64 Hwy., Hermitage, MO 65668.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com