Gloria Gaye Jones Wheeler
Gloria Gaye Jones Wheeler, 60 of St. Ignatius, crossed over on Sunday, Oct. 3 surrounded by her loving family.
Gaye was born Oct. 2, 1950 in Wenatchee, Wash., the only daughter of O.A. and Lilly (Courchane) Jones. She was an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes and was proud of her Native American heritage. While growing up she attended an array of schools throughout Washington and Montana. While in high school she met the love of her life, Dennis. The two married April 11, 1970 at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Gaye was absolutely devoted to her husband and supported, respected and loved him unconditionally. She was a woman of strong, unshakable faith, believing in a higher power.
Gaye was a very compassionate and caring person and always put the needs of others before her own. She was a mother who was passionately involved in her daughters' lives and everything they could ask for. A dedicated Grandmother, her grandchildren were the light of her life. Her love always came freely, and no matter the situation she would bend-over backwards for them. It is impossible to put in words how her warm smiles, jokes and advice will be missed.
One would describe Gaye as a “jack of all trades,” she worked as a dental technician, bookkeeper, a Campfire and Girl Scout leader, florist and most recently she worked at St. Ignatius Head Start where she was lovingly known as “Cooker Gaye.”
She had a love for adventure. Gaye enjoyed seeing new places from Hawaii to Mexico to South Africa and the occasional casino/gambling trips with her parents and friends. Gaye was an avid bowler locally and nationally and loved traveling with her bowling girls. She also loved spending time with her family and would attend the NASCAR race in Las Vegas, Nev., where she would shout “Go Junior!” Gaye also enjoyed reading a good book while eating a bowl of buttered popcorn and having a glass of cold ice tea.
She was preceded in death by a son, Dustin Michael, and grandchildren Devan Ryli and Micah Dustin. Those left with cherished memories are her parents O.A. and Lilly (Courchane) Jones, her high school sweetheart of 45 years, Dennis Wheeler, daughters Marcell Wheeler of St. Ignatius, Shelly Wheeler-Burland (Brent) of Polson, Andrea Wheeler-McGough of Missoula and Hayley Bingham (Rich) of Boise, Idaho, and younger brothers Doug Jones (Jill) of Wenatchee, Wash., and Danny Jones (Julie) of Quincy, Wash. Gaye also leaves behind twelve grandchildren: Andrew, Marina, Lane, Rhett, Austin, Autumn, Mylie, Rhese, Amber, Destanny, Josh, and Sarah: along with many godchildren, honorary grandchildren and numerous other family members and friends, all of whom loved her deeply and will miss her forever.
A celebration of Gaye’s life was held Saturday, Oct. 9 at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to the Gaye Wheeler Educational Scholarship Fund at any Valley Bank of Ronan. Arrangments were under the direction and care of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory
