Isla Gayle Hershberger

Gayle Hershberger, 103, passed away September 5, 2012. Born Isla Gayle Barler in Llano, Texas on February 19, 1909 to parents Bea Jackson Barler and W.L. Barler. Her stepfather was Max Marschall of San Angelo. Attended St. Mary’s Convent in Austin, Texas until she was 16. Graduated from San Angelo High School where she was a member of the theater group that won honors in the state theatrical competition in her senior year. Attended Southern Methodist University, married John D. (Jack) Robertson, Jr. in November of 1927 and lived in San Angelo. She was widowed in 1955. On May 25, 1972, Gayle married Lloyd R. Hershberger, M.D. of San Angelo, an old family friend who was also widowed. Gayle and Hershey were graced with over 35 years together, enjoying family, friends, church, and travel. Dr. Hershberger predeceased Gayle on December 4, 2010 at the age of 99.

Mrs. Hershberger is survived by two daughters: Margo Robertson Templeton (Rodney) of Saratoga, California and Jane Robertson Blanch of Wayzata, Minnesota; stepsons: Nick Cowell (Priscilla) of Portland, Oregon and Chris Hershberger (Judy) of Houston, Texas and their families; grandchildren: Mark Templeton (Betsy), Cabot Templeton, and Christopher Templeton, all of whom live in California; Amy Templeton of Oregon; Ward Blanch of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and great grandchildren: Lisa and Andrew Templeton of Los Altos, California.

Gayle was a wonderful, indomitable woman who was a loving wife and mother, a loyal friend, a devout pillar of the Episcopal Church and an active community member. She had a lifelong interest in the arts, especially music, theater, visual art and dance. She was instrumental in helping bring the Symphony Orchestra to San Angelo in 1949; she performed in local community theater productions; and she was part of a leadership group that helped start the Good Shepherd Episcopal Mission Church in San Angelo. In her later years she rejoined the Emmanual Episcopal Church after the mission church was well established.

Gayle entertained beautifully and loved having guests in her home. She was an adverturesome traveler who journeyed as far and as often as her life allowed. She sought out interesting, active people and made friends easily. She never stopped studying, reading or learning and had a boundless zest for life as well as an open attitude for diverse concepts and cultures. She gave her two daughters a solid base of loving support and encouraged them to explore the world and live life to the fullest. She was a woman whose strong will and positive outlook enabled her to survive adversity as well as celebrate and appreciate her many blessings.

Heartfelt thanks from Gayle’s family go to Lighthouse Hospice; her many caregivers at Meadow Creek Nursing Home, especially Tina Wyatt and Marsha Freeman; and special thanks go to family friends Lisa Di Leo, Susan Pfluger, Luz Serrano, Kay and Louis Rork, Heidi Brooks, Father Bob Hedges and Marylee Wittenburg for their love and support.

Her ashes will be interred in the columbarium of The Emmanuel Episcopal Church. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. October 9, 2012 at The Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Arrangements are by Johnson’s Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 3 South Randolph, San Angelo, TX 76903; The San Angelo Symphony, P.O. Box 5922, San Angelo, TX 76902; The Angelo Civic Theater, 1936 Sherwood Way, San Angelo, TX 76901; or a charity of the donor’s choice.