Dorothy "Gayle" Culler passed away, peacefully, on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at the University Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was born on May 24, 1958, in High Point, the daughter of Dot and Roy Culler. She graduated from Westchester Academy and the University of Colorado-Boulder where she had been awarded a basketball scholarship. After graduation, Gayle moved back to North Carolina and received her Master's in Geology from Western Carolina University. Her passion for the outdoors took her back to Colorado where she worked for the U.S. Geological Survey. After years of living in Colorado, Gayle settled in Afton, Virginia, where her views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and access to the Appalachian Trail gave her many pleasurable hours of hiking with her dogs. An ardent animal lover, Gayle adopted and cared for many cats, dogs and horses.
She had training in massage therapy and practiced in Charlottesville for a number of years, serving a diverse cross section of clients, many of whom became cherished friends. Gayle served tirelessly as caregiver for her parents in their later years. They preceded her in death as did her brother, Scott Culler.
She is survived by her brothers, Braxton Culler (Ashley), Randy Culler (Heidi), and sister-in-law, Amy Culler, all of High Point; and her former spouse, Ben Hale of Raleigh, N.C. Gayle is also survived by her niece, Kimberly Culler; nephew, Skip Culler (Nicole); nephew, Brack Culler (Caroline); nephew, John Culler; nephew, Josh Culler; and niece, Katie Bennett, along with 10 great nieces and nephews, all of High Point.
Gayle was a free spirit who in her own words "always played full-court." She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Gayle's name may be directed to Almost Home Pet Adoption Center, Lovingston, Virginia, Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue, Inc., Afton, Virginia or The Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, Shipman, Virginia.