Gaynell E. Worley

6/30/1927 — 1/4/2017

Service Date: 1/7/2017
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Gaynell Elene Worley was born June 30, 1927, in Albia, Iowa, to Charlie and May Gardner. She was the second of six children.

She was raised working hard on a farm and continued her "farm girl" work-hard ethics throughout her entire life. She never met a stranger and had a warm heart and friendly smile. She was extremely devoted to her family and would only look upon her family with eyes that never saw any wrong in each of them.

Gaynell found the love of her life, Merlin Worley, at a young age and remained with him for 67 years, until his death in 2012. She joined him on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017.

Gaynell was a mother and homemaker most of her life. You never knew what kind of delicious smells you would come home from school to in her kitchen. She made great comfort food, the best potato soup and delicious cinnamon rolls and bread. Each Christmas, she made many batches of peanut brittle that she would give as gifts to family and friends.

She always prided herself in her appearance, her beautiful, no-wrinkle complexion and the fact that she hardly had any gray hair. Gaynell always made sure she started the day with fresh lipstick and looking perfect from head to toe.

Gaynell was an accomplished seamstress. She made coats, suits, even toys. The item that she was the most proud of was the wedding dress she made for her only granddaughter. She made "Grandma Worley" quilts for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which they treasure.

She also was a great self-taught artist and painted many things. She won many blue ribbons at the Nez Perce County Fair for paintings and ceramic work. Gaynell was office manager for her husband's drywall company. She also was owner/operator of the Mission Motel in Lewiston for many years. She was a savvy businesswoman and was able to make many wise investments through the years that helped them live comfortably. She was an independent woman who was strong mentally, emotionally and physically.

Being so independent, it was hard for her to accept help. Her loving care providers from Guardian Angel Homes can confirm that she remained independent and was physically strong until the end of her life. Dealing with Alzheimer's is a struggle for the individual and for those who care for them. Her family appreciates the time and effort that was given to our mother. We admire the fact that she could take a swing at her providers one minute, but they would still give her hugs the next minute.

The family that she leaves behind includes daughters Carol (Chris) Sanford and Marlene (Johnny) Bricker, and son David Worley. She was preceded in death by daughter Rose Ann, who passed at birth. She also leaves behind grandchildren Katrina (Robert) Jones, Gary Bricker, Kevin (Lacey) Parker and Russell Parker; great-grandchildren Corinne, Trenna and Ethan Jones, Samantha, Madison and Cassandra Bricker, and Kyle and Kaden Parker. She was loved and adored by all of her family. Her loving ways will be missed.

A private family service will be held today at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Clarkston, of which she was a member. Her burial will follow in Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens, Lewiston.

Service Information

Date & Time: Saturday, January 7, 10:00 AM
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Clarkston Chapel
1123-16th Avenue
Clarkston, Washington 99403

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Additional Details: Burial will follow at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens