Gayle Irene Lance

GAYLE IRENE (VITUS) LANCE

Springfield – Gayle Lance passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2025 at the age of 91. She was born on March 31, 1934 in Eugene, OR to Nellie (Hickman) & Herbert E. “Herb” Vitus. Gayle spent many years living in Blue River, OR and graduated from McKenzie High School in 1952.

She met James “Jim” Lance in 1958 at a Valentine’s Day dance hosted by St. Mary Catholic Church in Eugene, OR. They married in August of that year and had 3 children. They made their home in Eugene before building their retirement log home in the Mohawk Valley, Marcola, OR.

Gayle was a homemaker and stay-at-home mom while the children were young. She was active with their sports and scouting activities and volunteered to drive on many school field trips in their VW Microbus. Gayle loved all types of music and played accordion, piano and organ. She loved her family and the great outdoors, where they enjoyed many camping and backpacking adventures.

Gayle is predeceased by Jim, her parents, sister Laurie Waggoner and brother Herbert A. “Barney” Vitus. She is survived by her daughter Janice, Springfield, OR; son Don (Marilyn), Springfield, OR; son John, Cascadia, OR; sisters Carole Berry, Springfield, OR and Terrie (Dale) Saari, Florence, OR; 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and one grand-pup.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 12:15pm at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1062 Charnelton Street, Eugene, OR. Viewing will be at the church the same day from 11am-Noon. Private burial will take place at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, OR.