Gayla "Donna" Wampler

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Her love for her family and the memories they shared will remain in their hearts for years to come.

Gayla “Donna” Wampler of Farmington passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the age of 79. She was born on January 26, 1947, in Avon, Missouri, to the late William Archie and Eva (Winch) Sturgess.

On October 12, 1963, in Coffman, Missouri, Donna was united in marriage to Jack Wampler. They shared 43 years of marriage before his passing on June 2, 2007.

In addition to her parents and husband, Donna was preceded in death by her son, Destry Garon Wampler; her sister, Debbie Elder; her brother, Archie Sturgess; her brothers-in-law, Mike Elder, Bill Barnes, Tony Wampler, Earl Wampler, Marvin Wampler, Herb Wampler, and Frank Phelps; her sisters-in-law, Alice Horn, Shirley Wampler, Betty Phelps, Peggy Sturgess, and Pam Wampler; and her lifelong friend, Sharon Hammers.

Donna is survived by her son, William “Billy” Wampler and wife, Julie, of Avon; her daughter, Jacque Wampler and fiancé, Arlie Davis, of Farmington; eight grandchildren, Alex Wampler-Hines, Jaimie Black (Jordan), Krista Amsden (Brenden), William Wampler Jr. (Jennifer), Katie Bennett (Joe), Brent Roth, Brandon Wampler (Brittany), and Eddie Wampler (Kiersten); and 17 great-grandchildren, Destry, Charli, Paitlynn, Carson, Jocelynn, Emmett, Blane, Harper, Julie, Josie, Keegan, Triston, Kayson, Kayleeann, Brantlee, Myla, and Ella. She is also survived by her sisters, Katie Eaton (Frank) and Doritha Barnes; her sisters-in-law, Wilma Labrot (Larry) and Barbara Williford (Eddie); her brother-in-law, Butch Wampler; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Throughout her working years, Donna served as a certified nursing assistant at several area nursing homes and provided in-home health care, offering care and compassion to those she served. She also shared her talents in the kitchen as a baker at Country Mart Bakery.

Donna’s family will fondly remember her as an amazing cook and baker, especially for her delicious homemade rolls. Above all, Donna dearly loved her family. She was a wonderful mother and a devoted, doting grandmother who treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love for her family and the memories they shared will remain in their hearts for years to come.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Cozean chapel, officiated by Pastor Roger Hogan. Interment will follow at Mayberry Cemetery. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Cozean Memorial Chapel to assist with funeral expenses.

View the video tribute and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.