Gayle Wash

Gayle Arlene (French) Wash passed away at home, on her 83rd birthday, in the care of her loving husband, Gordon, of 64 years. Gayle struggled with dementia in recent years and Gordon never left her side.

Gayle was born on Sept. 19, 1941, in Butte. She was the fourth child born to Glen and Inez French, joining older siblings Glendoris, Gary and Billie. Growing up, Gayle developed a strong sense of resilience, shaping her into a person of unwavering character and determination.

Through her uncle, Gayle met the love of her life, Gordon Wash. They were married on March 29, 1960, at the age of 18, and welcomed their first and only child, Gina, 9 months and 1 day later. Gayle worked as a bookkeeper at Woolworth in San Jose, California, with her longtime friend Naomi and then moved to Billings in 1973. She continued with Woolworth in Montana until she decided to obtain her GED. Displaying her determined nature, Gayle continued her education, earning a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree in psychology from Montana State University. Driven by a passion for helping others, she dedicated much of her life to working as a family therapist, helping many individuals and families throughout the years.

Everyone who knew Gayle knew of her strong, independent spirit, her love of nice cars (and driving fast), her timeless taste in design, and her flair for a good bargain. She was an intelligent woman and possessed quick wit, effortlessly picking up on the nuances of dry humor and often responding with clever remarks of her own.

Gayle’s family was especially important to her. Her sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews were always a focus, and she and Gordon were always there for them. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life, never missing a sporting event, birthday, or wedding until her disease progressed.

Another of her loves was the cabin that she and Gordon built together in the mountains above Georgetown Lake. Gayle took great care in the design and decoration of the cabin, and enjoyed many weekends there with Gordon, family, and friends.

Gayle always had an open ear, a tender, merciful heart, and a love for her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Gayle is survived by her husband, Gordon Wash; daughter Gina (Brian) Cooley; grandchildren Kaycee (Bobby) Peters, Shane (Callie) Cooley and Jace (Remington) Cooley; great-grandchildren Eva, Quinn, Hayes, Jackson, Addison, Levi, and a baby boy due in November; siblings Glendoris Caudill, Gary (Ann) French, Billie Nelson, Maureen (Tom) O’Reilly, Nancy Vermandel, Robert (Laura) Vermandel; stepbrother Ernie Vermandel; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by parents Inez French Vermandel and Glen French; and brother Bert Vermandel.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to hospice nurses, Laura and Ashley, for the special care they provided Gayle in her final years.

A viewing will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m., at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Musselshell Cemetery.