Barbourville, Ky. – Gaye Lois Tuttle, 74, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away January 3, 2026. Gaye was the daughter of Matt Messer and Eunice Johnson Messer born to them April 30, 1951, in Whitley County, Kentucky.
Gaye was a kind woman dedicated to her family and the Holiness faith. Taught by her mother, Gaye was a talented singer. She also loved sewing, quilting, and cooking – her chicken and dumplings and homemade birthday cakes were family favorites. Gaye was loving beyond measure. She cared for many animals and pets over the years, including many strays. Cherished family was Gaye’s greatest joy though, especially caring for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Left behind to mourn Gaye’s passing is her son James Tuttle (Lisa), and daughter Kimberly Tuttle Love (Gary), brother Denny Lee Messer (Puppett), sisters Clara Ellison, Stella Smith (Junior), and Brenda Tuttle. Six grandchildren, Justin Love, Joshua Love, Jaley Love, Jordynn Love, Jessica Kalb (Jimmy), and James Tuttle, Jr. (Desiree), and one great grandchild, Savannah Kalb, also survive Gaye and will miss her dearly. Gaye was preceded in death by her parents, Matt and Eunice Messer, husband Jackson Henry Tuttle, Jr., infant daughter Tracey Loretta Tuttle, and brothers Matthew Messer, Jr. and Uel Messer.
The Tuttle family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 12:00 PM until the funeral hour of 1:00 PM. Reverend Kenny Johnson will officiate. Gaye’s granddaughters, Jaley and Jordynn Love will speak. Musical tribute to be performed by Jimmy Kalb. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Sizemore Cemetery, Shymug Community, Bimble, Kentucky. Casket Bearers are James Tuttle, Sr., James Tuttle, Jr., Jimmy Kalb, Gary Love, and Joshua Love.
The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Mrs. Lorena Blankenship, Mr. Reid Brewer, Mr. Robin Reese, Ms. Quinlynn Chrisco, Mr. Steven Walker, Mr. Darren West, Ms. Nicole Collins, and Mrs. Brenda Johnson, express heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Gaye Lois Tuttle.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is entrusted with all service arrangements for Gaye Lois Tuttle.
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