Gayle Renner

Joanna Gayle Renner (née Summers) passed away on June 16, 2025, from complications related to Alzheimer's disease. She was 76 years old-though no one ever believed it, even to the end. Gayle was a resident of Louisville, Kentucky at the time of her death, but she spent most of her life in Somerset. She was born on December 16, 1948, in Clementsville, Kentucky, to the late Lona Evelyn and William Eugene Summers. A proud graduate of Casey County High School, Gayle went on to build an impressive and successful career entirely through determination, grit, and heart.

She began as a bookkeeper, assistant, and secretary in a number of roles before becoming the first Manager of the newly opened Somerset Mall in 1981. Six years later, she joined Cooke Chrysler - which later became part of the Don Marshall family of dealerships - where she spent decades as the de facto accountant, HR director, legal advisor, and most importantly, a trusted confidant and second mother to many. She accomplished all of this without a college degree, earning the respect and admiration of everyone who worked alongside her. Gayle was always impeccably dressed. Even in athletic wear, she coordinated every detail-down to the emblem on her tennis shoes. Her closets were full of shoes, clothes, purses, and jewelry, and her daughters are seriously considering a submission to the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest flip-flop collection ever owned by a single human.

She found joy in simple pleasures: Godiva chocolates, puffy peppermints, a good cup (or entire pot) of coffee, and a brisk walk-though if you joined her, you had better be prepared to keep up. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she had a gift for making the holiday magical for everyone around her. Above all, Gayle's greatest joy was her family. Her children and grandchildren were her world and to them, there will never be a more loving, devoted, or extraordinary Mother and Nana. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, compassion, and generosity - one that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Gayle is survived by her daughters, Stephanie Rae Renner and Amanda Carol Hammons; her son-in-law, Lucas Hammons; and four grandchildren: Trevor James Gilford, Abigayle Grace Hammons, Tucker Davis Hammons, and Layla Belle Hammons. She is also survived by her sisters Katherine "Kathy" Joan Hatchett (Joe) and Andrea Kaye "Katie" York (Tony), along with a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Alan Dwight Summers and Ronald "Ronnie" Lewis Summers; her sister-in-law, Eileen Summers; and her beloved grandson, Jordan William Gilford.

A funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church of Somerset, Friday, June 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 20, 2025 from 12:00 PM till 2:00 PM at the First Christian Church of Somerset.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Gilly's Friends. Donations may be made online at Gillysfriends.com or mailed to 9411 Norton Commons BLVD Suite 201, Prospect, Kentucky 40059.

Pulaski Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.