Gayle Thompson Criddle, 82, of Pocatello, died Thursday, June 6, 1996, at Pocatello Regional Medical Center from an extended illness.

She was born March 20, 1915 in Cambridge, north of Downey, and was the ninth child of William Orville Thompson and Nancy Abi Lawrence.

She received her education in Downey. As a small child, she grew up doing the farm chores. She loved to ride horses.

On Jan. 5, 1934, she married T. Y. Criddle in Pocatello, and later solemnized their marriage on May 20, 1937, in the Logan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, making their home in Downey.

She worked in the Downey School Cafeteria, cafes, and at the Marsh Valley Hospital as an LPN.

In 1954, the family moved to Salmon, Idaho, where they owned and operated the Drive In Motel and Cafe. In 1975, the couple moved back to Pocatello.

Gayle worked at the local craft shops, the Hillcrest Nursing Home and later managed the Homemaking Department at Deseret Industries

Gayle’s church was very important, as was her family and friends. She worked in the Primary, Sunday School, MIA and Relief Society.

Gayle loved ceramics and made beautiful vases, or cute little animals or dolls. She made all her children and grandchildren ceramic Christmas trees and other gifts.

Gayle also made beautiful quilts. She shared these talents with everyone.

Gayle participated in the Fort Hall Replica Celebration, displaying her beautiful quilts and showing them the art of quilting.

Her hands were always busy. She also loved to dance.

In 1988, Gayle won the Pocatello Smile of the Year Contest. A smile made your day, she believe.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Y. Criddle; children, Thomas LaMont Criddle and wife Caroline; Nancy Gaye Daniels and husband Larry; Bonnie Varell Stricklan and husband Bill; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson; a sister, Fern T. Hartvigsen; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth LaMar; a grandson, Blaine LaMont Criddle; and four brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, June 10, 1996, at the Alameda LDS Third Ward Chapel at 1440 Lakeview Drive, with Bishop John Norton officiating. Interment will be in the Downey Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 7 until 9 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 North 12th Ave.

On Monday, friends may call at the ward chapel for an hour prior to time of services.