Gaila Dawn Self, 61, of Carbondale, passed away at 4:12 A.M., Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
Gaila was hardworking and worked as a chef in restaurants.  She enjoyed cooking, baking and she made beautiful cakes.  Gaila was a wonderful mother and an amazing grandmother.  She was supportive and inspiring to not just her own but many others.  Gaila made her home welcome to everyone.  She had a very strong will and was a fighter until the end.
She was born September 22, 1964 in Du Quoin, IL, the daughter of Jimmie and Pauline (Modglin) Carrothers.
She married Jason Self on May 21, 2005 in Pinckneyville, IL and he survives.
She is survived by her husband of Carbondale, nine children - Brian "Bucky" Cizick and Carrie of Iuka, Tawny Connell of Carbondale, Tosha McManaway and Matt of Benton, Matthew King and Ariel Lanier of Carbondale, Dustin Self and Hannah of Carbondale, Tiffany King and Holden Haney of DeSoto, Zachary Self of Carbondale, Alexis King of Herrin, and Nathan Harris of Colorado, two brothers - Jeff Carrothers and Vanessa and Rodney Carrothers and Ruth, all of Du Quoin, twenty-five grandchildren and one great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three siblings - Terry Carrothers, Linda Gassel, and LaDonna Koonce, and two nephews - Daryl Gassel and Ricky Gassel.
Memorial visitation will be from 5 to 7 P.M., Friday, December 19, 2025 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.