Gayle Ann Price passed away peacefully on October 27, 2020 as a result of a heart attack. Gayle was a 72-year fixture in the Auburn community. She was born in Seattle at Maynard Hospital in the middle of the post-WWII baby boom. She started 1st grade at Washington Elementary School in the fall of 1953 where she met many girlfriends with whom she remained close throughout her life. She attended Auburn Senior High School, where she met her future husband William (Bill) Price. She graduated in 1965 and they were married on June 20, 1969. Children Jon and Krista followed.
Gayle spent most of her adult life as a stay-at-home mom, clerk, and office manager. She loved her time as a stay-at-home mom and became an active member of the Washington Elementary School PTA where she planned events and socials for the students with the other PTA moms who became lifelong friends. Gayle cherished those memories, meetings, and friendships.
Gayle had many passions in life: gardening, throwing or attending a good party, giving back to her community, and the holiday season. Most of all, she loved her grandchildren and spending time with them. She had many joyful memories of barbeques and vacations with lifelong friends and family.
Gayle hosted many large family holiday gatherings where everyone was able to sit, laugh, and enjoy the time together. She spent many hours planning and cooking for the event and cleaning up after but never complained and you could always see the satisfaction in her eyes after another successful holiday. During the Christmas season, Gayle was also proud to showcase her treasured collection of ornaments and decorations.
Gayle was also very creative and artistic. She loved to express herself through interior design, changing up her mantel and furniture for each season, and calligraphy, which she used to write beautiful letters and cards. She created unique birthday cakes for those close to her and crafts to sell at her beloved Children’s Hospital Guild’s annual fundraiser.
Gayle loved giving back through her work with organizations that benefited children. She donated thousands of hours to local schools and their PTAs and her favorite charitable group, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and its guilds.
Most of all, Gayle cherished spending time with her grandchildren, Jackson and Barrett. They were the light in her life during her final years and she spoke glowingly of them every time you spoke with her.
Gayle is survived by her husband of 51 years Bill Price, their two children Jon (Christy) Price, Krista (Dan) O’Neil, two grandchildren Jackson and Barrett, her brother Chuck (Virginia) Leslie and five nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents Alvin Leslie and Ruth (Kronick) Leslie. Memorial services are pending, due to COVID-19, but will be scheduled in spring 2021. Arrangements are being made by Klontz Funeral Home in Auburn. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Children’s Hospital in Seattle.
