In Loving Memory of Gayle Wellman: 1956-2022

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While surrounded by family, Gayle Wellman, of Yelm, passed away on Sept. 3, 2022, at the age of 65. Gayle was born in Scotia, California on Sept. 15, 1956, to Sally and Frank Simmons. 

Gayle is survived by her husband Howard; her three children Daniel, Scott and Zach; her seven grandchildren Isiah, Lucas, Elizabeth, Zayne, Rylee, Bryna and Blake; and her many close friends that she considered family. She was preceded by her father Frank and mother Sally. 

Gayle was a loving, caring, devoted mother and grandmother. She did everything and anything for them with love. She loved to show off her grandchildren at any available opportunity. Gayle was a lover of animals. For years, she and her husband owned and ran a dog rescue for Miniature Pinschers. It wasn’t uncommon to see 20 plus dogs at their house at any given time. In addition to rescue dogs, they had pets of their own that included other dogs, cats and goats. Gayle enjoyed kayaking, spending time with family and friends and rooting on her favorite NFL teams, the Seahawks and Saints. She loved to spend her summers in Louisiana visiting friends and enjoying all the seafood boils it came with. While back home, she loved to spend time at her favorite local establishment, the White Horse. Here, she met and spent time with many friends that would become so close to her that she considered them to be part of her family. When Gayle did things she did them big. She lived life to the fullest and did it her way and on her terms. During her last days, she never lost herself. She kept her spunk, continued to smile, laugh and joke around. 

Gayle, you are very much loved and will be greatly missed. As you always told the grandchildren, we all love you to the moon and back.