Gayle Joanne Millett
Gayle Joanne (Bryan) Millett passed away at her residence in The Dalles, OR on July 8th, 2026, at the age of 69. Gayle was born the third of four children to Coye and Geneva Bryan on September 18, 1956, in Willow Springs, MO. The Bryan's were nomadic for a time, following Coye's construction job here and there. Gayle and her siblings, Daniel, Debra, and Clinton would horseback ride, fish with their grandparents, camp and have fun. The family settled in White Salmon, WA in 1966 making great friends and creating roots. After graduating high school in 1974, Gayle spent some time working as a server at T&C restaurant. In 1978 Gayle met the love of her life, Chuck. Gayle and Chuck were inseparable and enjoyed playing pool tournaments, cruising on Chuck's motorcycle, and having adventures. In 1982 Gayle graduated from Clark College in Vancouver, WA, an accomplishment she was very proud of. Gayle cherished her new blended family and in 1984 a daughter, Kassi, was born and the family relocated to Arizona. After moving to Oregon in 1987, a son, Kyle, would complete the family unit. Gayle and Chuck were married in 1989 and were always on the move. They spent time in Washington, Oregon, Arizona, eventually settling in Montrose, CO. Gayle had the greatest work ethic, and she made sure her family was well cared for. Her various jobs included server, bartender, cashiering and retail, nursing, and bus driving. She drove a school bus in Tonapah, AZ and enjoyed taking the kids on field trips. Gayle was an in-home care nurse and was greatly attached to her patients whom she considered friends. She managed a hotel and kept it in tip-top shape, often bringing Kassi along to assist. After the move to Montrose, Gayle worked at Colorow Care Center and loved her patients like family. Her retail experience led her to Russell Stover where she thrived at making people smile. She served the best ice cream and the grandkids loved going in for a warm hug, a "love you darlin," and a scoop. After Chuck's passing in 2020 Gayle moved in with her daughters and granddaughters, retired, and spent time doing things she loved. She attended many of the grandkids' sporting, 4H events, and graduations. Gayle's grandchildren were the light of her life, and she would move the stars for any of them. She loved to read and it was very rare to see her without a book in her hands, a cup of coffee and a black cat (Huck) next to her. Visiting friends around town also kept her busy. Gayle's past couple years were spent in The Dalles, OR living with her long-time friend, Jennie. Gayle had remote job booking horseback rides over the phone, which was flexible and she loved. She was able to spend time with her siblings, numerous nieces and nephews who all had a favorite Aunt Gayle. She could be seen on the sidelines of a game bragging about this nephew or that niece. She attended family weddings and parties and always brought laughter and a large smile. Her generous nature was warm and contagious. Gayle will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and truest friend.
Gayle is survived by her daughter, Kassi (Brandi) Dunham. Her son, Kyle (Nicole) Millett. Granddaughters: Adrianna (Justin) Richardson, Abigail (Mav) Boozell, Rebecca (Braden) Boozell, Isabelle (Zoey) Boozell, and Natalie Krogstad. Grandsons: Kyler Millett, Wyatt Millett, JJ Millett, Hayden Krogstad, and Darren Krogstad. Great-granddaughters: Brinlee and Hadley. Great-grandson Greyson. Brother Daniel Bryan. Sister Debra (Jack) Kelly, Brother Clinton (Pixie) Bryan. (Karen) Nelson. Numerous nieces and nephews.
Gayle was preceded in death by her father, Coye Bryan, her mother, Geneva (Sommars) Bryan and her husband, Chuck Millett.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time to be determined.
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