It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and one-of-a-kind soul, Gaynelle “Nelle” Rhea DeCent, age 69, of Buhl, Minnesota.

Gaynelle passed away peacefully at Cornerstone Villa in Buhl on September 19, 2026.

Born in Crosby-Ironton, Minnesota, to John and Goldie DeCent, Gaynelle graduated from Biwabik High School in 1977. She later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she attended Draughns Junior College and graduated with honors in 1996 with an Associate of Arts degree in Accounting.

After working as a bookkeeper in Nashville, Gaynelle returned home to Minnesota in 1999. She went on to work as a DSP with IRES, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities—a job that brought her tremendous joy. She later helped her son, Jesse, with clerical work as a local Special Olympics delegation was getting started.

As her Muscular Dystrophy progressed, Gaynelle faced many challenges and eventually required SSI. But she never stopped living, loving, creating, laughing, and making memories.

She loved cooking with Jesse and Braylin, spending time with her family, relaxing by the lake in Virginia, and creating beautiful jewelry, beaded pens, and keychains with her dear friend Karen Wilde. Her creations traveled all over Minnesota and could be found in nearly every care facility she called home.

Gaynelle leaves behind her son, Jesse (Miranda) Krulich; grandchildren, Mariah Krulich and Braylin Krulich; great-grandchildren, Kingston and Justin Jr. (JJ); her sister, Golden “Go-Go”; niece, Melissa; nephews, Christian “Bucky” and Rusty Butzin; and many beloved family members and friends.

The family is incredibly grateful to Viewcrest Nursing Facility, Lake City Care Center/Mayo Hospital, Cornerstone Villa, Moments Hospice, and all of the amazing caregivers who cared for Gaynelle and became part of her life.

An especially heartfelt thank-you goes to Karen Wilde, one of Gaynelle’s very best friends, who showed up every single day and stayed by her side until her final moments. Her friendship and unwavering presence meant more than words can express.

Gaynelle requested no visitation or funeral. She chose cremation and had one final, beautiful request: that a living urn of wildflowers or a lilac bush be planted beside a peaceful, scenic lake—somewhere her grandchildren could fish and still feel close to her.

That was Gaynelle.

Compassionate. Quick-witted. Spiritual. Honest. Strong. Creative. And never afraid to tell it like it was.

She never sugar-coated anything, and that’s exactly what we loved about her. You always knew where you stood with Nelle.

She may be gone from our sight, but she will never be gone from our hearts.

Rest peacefully, Mom. We love you, and we will carry you with us always.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in Gaynelle’s honor through the Arbor Day Foundation.