Leslei Lynn Gayler aka Smiley Chick
In loving memory of Leslei Lynn Gayler aka Smiley Chick
Hear Leslei’s Story:
EP 286: Leslei aka Smiley Chick’s Recovery Story
https://www.sobertownpodcast.com/sober-podcast-episodes/episode-286-leslei-aka-smiley-chicks-recovery-story
From the Sobertown Team:
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our beloved sister in sobriety, Leslei Lynn Gayler. Known affectionately in our community as “Smiley Chick” and a cherished member of the Twinster/SoberSis family, Leslei’s legacy is one of courage, kindness, and unwavering support.
Leslei battled MS for 37 years, having been diagnosed at just 19. Her journey was not an easy one—years of physical struggle led to a dependency on amphetamines, and later crystal meth. But in June of 2017, Leslei found her strength through a personal relationship with Jesus, and from that moment on, she walked a powerful path of sobriety.
Even as her health declined and she became bedridden in 2018, Leslei never stopped dreaming. She created a bucket list and tackled it with fearless determination—skydiving in 2021 and again in 2022, and fulfilling her dream of attending the Daytona 500 in Florida. She was truly an inspiration and proudly called herself a #badasssoberwarrior.
But beyond her accomplishments, it was Leslei’s heart that touched so many. She was a steady, listening ear, a wise and loving counselor, and a dear friend to countless members of the Sobertown community. Her kindness, faith, and ability to lift others—even in her own suffering—defined her.
Leslei’s absence will be deeply felt, but her light lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to know her. We will miss her laughter, her strength, and her unshakeable spirit.
Rest in peace, Smiley Chick. You were, and always will be, one of a kind.
From the Bryan Darr, one of Leslei’s closest friends and caregiver:
Leslei Lynn Gayler was 57 when she went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on June 1, 2025, in Canon City CO.
She was born on January 13, 1968 in Colorado Springs to Tomas Stephen Gayler of Green Mountain Falls and Gloria Gean Bergman of Stratford IA. Leslei is survived by her brother Jeff (Julie), sister Amy, nephews Jake and Brian, niece Jillian, along with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Leslei helped raise her nephew Jake and they have always had a close bond.
Leslei began school in Colorado Springs and her family later moved to Green Mountain Falls, then Woodland Park, where she graduated high school. Leslei was diagnosed with MS at age 19 and ignored that for many years. Her father was the superintendent of the Pikes Peak Hiway, and she enjoyed special access to the mountain where she loved to spend time fishing. She worked at the summit house many summers as well as several other jobs in her life. She positively impacted many people as an insurance customer service rep specializing in difficult cases and always advocated for the client rather than the company. Leslei was a people person. Everyone who knew her liked her and loved her.
She had a fabulous sense of humor, a beautiful smile, and enjoyed laughing and making people around her laugh.
In early June Leslei would have celebrated 8 years of sobriety from meth. During her addiction she encountered Jesus at River City Vineyard in Canon City. She fell in love with Jesus and soon after achieved freedom from her addiction. She served her church family for many years in the children's ministry and youth group. Leslei was a true disciple of Jesus and His light shone through her onto all around her. Leslei was an inspiration and encouragement to all who saw her. As her illness progressed, eventually putting her in a power wheelchair with use of only one arm, she dealt with severe pain and complications due to the disease. Through it all, she never lost her smile and continued to encourage and lift up other people helping them through their own difficult times. Leslei was heavily involved in an online sobriety community, sobertown podcasts, and helped moderate zoom meetings and made many more friends there and in her online MS support groups.
Leslei had several caregivers throughout her illness. During the last several years a longtime friend, Bryan Darr, from WPHS, stayed with her full time and was her constant helper, companion, friend, and brother in Christ. Bryan was with her when she peacefully passed, holding her hand and singing praise songs to usher Leslei into the arms of Jesus
A memorial service will be held at River City Vineyard, 245 S Raynolds Ave in Canon City on June 13 at 11 am. Her ashes will be spread during a private ceremony later this summer on Pikes Peak where her parents' ashes were spread.
