Gayle Ann (Seater) Carnes, 75, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. She was the oldest child of John D. and Lois Seater.
Gayle was a graduate of Globe High School and later attended the University of Arizona. She chose to follow in her father’s footsteps and pursued a lifelong career in community journalism.
She met her husband James at a Christmas party while working at a daily newspaper in Marshall, Texas. The couple had planned a May wedding, but decided to wed sooner as they loved each other and really didn’t want to wait. They were married in April 1971. Their first son Michael was born two years later, and the family moved back to Arizona to work at their family newspapers in Kearny, San Manuel and Superior. Their second son Kevin was born in 1974.
She attended church throughout her life and was a devout Christian. She was a member of the San Pedro Valley Baptist Church where she played the piano and served as treasurer.
Gayle was named the Copper Basin Citizen of the Year for 2002 in appreciation of her volunteer work with the Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce. Gayle was also instrumental in the creation of the Arnold P. Mariscal award given to volunteers who had gone above and beyond for their communities.
Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, John D. and Lois Seater, and her stepmother, Patricia Seater. She leaves behind her husband of 53 years, James Carnes; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Jennifer Carnes; son, Kevin Carnes; beloved granddaughter, Lauren Carnes; brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Jean Seater; and nephews, David Seater and Brian Seater.
Gayle’s wishes were to donate her body to science, which her family honored. She also requested that no services be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Gayle’s name to the American Diabetes Association.