Gayl Sandoval

Gayl Sandoval, 83 a resident of To'hajiilee, NM passed away Friday, January 24, 2025 at Albuquerque Heights Rehabilitation Center following an illness. She was born April 5, 1941 in Boise, Idaho to the home of Jesse and Dorles (Grimshaw) Wickham. Gayl's parents were very active in ministry which led to them move to New Mexico in 1957. 

She met David Sandoval in Albuquerque and they were married on May 7, 1960. They made their home in Grants, NM where they worked for Mission Shoe Repair. In 1961 they moved to San Fidel, NM where they raised their family and continued their ministry. Gayl returned to California in 1978 where she lived in the Chico, CA area until her family moved to Fort Sumner, NM in 1987. Gayl raised her family in Fort Sumner for 7 years. While in Fort Sumner, Gayl owned and operated a family business, Inspirations where she would sell hand-crafted wood originals.

In 1994 Gayl settled in To'hajiilee. She loved to share the good news of the Lord, and dedicated her life to serving Him. She was a Sunday School Teacher, and Minister and for 12 years was the Secretary/Treasurer for the Word of God, INC. a ministry founded by her father. Gayl was a SBN Media church member and was steadfast to watch Jimmy Swaggart sermons. 

Gayl loved to sing and play music. She played the accordion, tambourine, and piano. She loved to craft any kind of craft, and she loved to work in her garden. She was known to make the best yeast rolls, waffles, and liked to cook. She was cherished and loved by her family, and the best Gram there ever was. 

Gayl is preceded in death by her parents, her husband David Sandoval, one son: Kenneth Guerro, two daughters: Sarah Padilla, and Pauletta Sandoval, two sisters: Grace Gardner, and Gladys Smith, a son in law Manny Padilla Sr., and seven grandchildren: Paul Peter Sandoval, Jesse Sandoval, Anthony Secatero, Desiderio Padilla, Kenneth Padilla, Elijah Sandoval, and Shamenika Francisco. 

She is survived by three sons: Randle Sandoval of To'hajiilee, Jimmy Secatero Sr and his wife JoMarie of To'hajiilee, and Peter Paul Sandoval and his wife Charlotte of Albuquerque, four daughters: Diane Guerro of Chico, CA, Priscilla Velasquez and her husband Francisco of To'hajiilee, Dorcas Sandoval and Celestula Sandoval both of Albuquerque. She is also survived by 38 grandchildren, and 73 great grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday , February 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm at The Church on the Hill in Fort Sumner, NM will Pastor Richard Terrell officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Apollos Sandoval, Ivy Sandoval, Ulysses Gaona, Elizabeth Guerrero, Alazario Sandoval, Alan Goodman, and J.J. Corona. Honorary Pallbearers include Randle Sandoval, Jimmy Secatero, Francisco Velasquez, and Peter Paul Sandoval. 

You may watch a livestream of the Funeral Service at https://youtube.com/live/oaUjZijccOA?feature=share

Please keep Gayl's family in your prayers. You may sign the online guestbook, share a favorite memory, or leave an online tribute to the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.