Lola Gayle Simon

Lola “Gayle” Simon, age 79, passed away at Texsan Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday, October 22, 2023, after a long illness. She was born in Brady, Texas, on May 28, 1944, to parents Herbert O. and Lola A. Simon. Gayle was raised on their ranch near Roosevelt, Texas, and went to school in Junction. As the only girl “River Rat” who lived along North Llano River, she was as tough as the boys. Her aunt “Sister” Dunbar helped raise her. She lost her parents at such a young age that she became obsessed with memorabilia and was a collector of everything sentimental. Shopping was her favorite pastime. In earlier adult years, she was co-owner of Chicken Shack on the interstate, a small cafe she loved. Later, she opened the Back Door Cafe in Roosevelt where she was known for her steaks and Gayle’s Hamburgers for many years. Everyone loved visiting with Gayle and she made many lifelong friends along the way. She was known as an awesome cook! She married Rodger Dell Carlile on December 10, 1960. They had two boys, Rodger Allen and James Daniel Carlile. Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Howard, Charles and Gene, and nephew David Simon. 

Gayle had a special group of friends who went on the Emmaus Walk together, they are Tammy Bundick, Donna Powers, Billie Stewart, Misty Sexton, Megan Mantooth, Terra Wallace and Stephanie Thorpe. They met faithfully every Monday, were very close friends and very important to Gayle. She enjoyed entertaining them with her antics. Also important to Gayle were her card playing gang at the Senior Center: Joan Burch, Rosemary Hoggett, Minnie Hooker, Pat Thomson and Alice Schmidt. In downtown Roosevelt, once a week, were also special card players who played with her, Janis Wiggins, Jane Allison, Robin Berry, Barbara Sykes, Sharon Stout and Amy Allison.

She is survived by sons Rodger and James and five grandchildren, Mason Carlile, Hayden Conner, Takoda Carlile, John Carlile and granddaughter Lauren Craig; sisters-in-law, Cheryl Simon and Wanda Simon; Mac McMahan, always her most dependable friend, whom she loved like a brother; her only niece Darla Simon; nephews, Clayton, Clay and Kelly Simon; seven great-nieces and two great-nephews.

Memorial service will be held on Monday, October 30, at noon at the Roosevelt Community Center.

Donations may be made to David Simon Scholarship Fund at Junction National Bank.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-3076