Gayla Megli

Gayla L. Megli, 60 years young, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a 12-year battle with Wegener's granulomatosis and recent complications of Covid, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL on March 6, 2023. Gayla was born on December 13, 1962, in Sterling, Illinois to Roy Dale and Phyllis Megli. She was a 1981 graduate of Rock Falls High School. She studied cosmetology. Gayla worked at Klines and Bergners in Sterling. She volunteered as a Sauk Valley Commerce Chamber Ambassador for several years and was awarded Ambassador of the Year. In 1996 she moved to Rockford, IL and was most recently employed by Emery Air as Human Resources Manager. She retired in 2018. Natural generosity and servitude for others was evident through her organization of many fundraisers for those in need. Supporting veterans was a priority for her after 9/11 as she raised thousands of dollars to send care packages to troops over the years. She carried her love of family and many close friends in endless generosity throughout her life no matter the challenges she faced. Gayla loved cooking, camping, travel and caring for others. Gayla was guided through her final journey of life by her sisters Brenda (Mark) Sisson and Melinda Vandre (Brian Kelsey). She is also survived by her niece and nephews Mallory (Shane) Ordean, Connor (Emily) Sisson, Trevor Sisson, Bastian Vandre, Garrison Vandre, Griffin Vandre.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy Dale and Phyllis Megli, her partner of 29 years, Steve Nelson, maternal grandparents Glenn Nelson and Helen Nelson, paternal grandparents Lyle and Etta Megli. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111.
Consider making a donation in her name to The Vasculitis Foundation to support ongoing research for the rare autoimmune disorder she was diagnosed with.
www.vasculitisfoundation.org/donate .
Online condolences can be offered at
www.statelinecremations.com