Carol Gayle Reed

Carol Gayle Reed, also known to many as GG for Grandma Gayle, 86 years young of Medford, Oregon, passed away on March 7, 2025 at her daughter’s home. In her final days, she was surrounded by great grandchildren, her grandchildren, her daughter, son-in-love and favorite furry dog friend, Walter. In her last moments, she waited for her grandchildren and passed away surrounded by her great grandchildren’s art, flowers and voices singing “This Little Light of Mine.”

Gayle was born on April 14, 1938 in Tacoma, Washington to Albert and Dorthea Derby. They moved to Stockton, California when Gayle was five years old and Gayle became a big sister to her sister Jan. Her family moved to Seattle when Gayle was 12. She also lived in Sequim, Astoria, Portland, North Bend, and Medford during her life.

Gayle was married to Tom Henderson and they had one daughter, Cathleen Gayle. Cathy was born April 12 and since the moment of her birth, Gayle and Cathy were best friends, twin flames, soul mates and the best side kicks and coffee date one another could ever ask for in life. Exactly twenty years apart, they were inseparable and the perfect duo.

Her sister, Jan, was also her best friend. Five years apart, they fought as sisters do but then became each other’s greatest cheerleaders later in life and shared their love of tennis, current events and Jesus with each other nearly every day. Gayle and her brother, Gary, also spoke daily and enjoyed any and all discussions about football.

Gayle loved to also share about her brave and interesting life, including how she and Cathy lived in the lighthouse Dungeness in the city of Sequim, Washington when Tom was in the Coast Guard and was the caretaker of the property.

Gayle was always an independent woman with a spit-fire, hopeful and adventurous spirit. As a teen and then later a single mom, she was able to make a way in the world for her and Cathy in the late fifties and early sixties in banking and then at Portland General Electric. She loved working, serving customers and meeting new people, as well as being in the “mix” of the usual workplace drama and gossip. She continued her career in banking in North Bend. Gayle later worked part-time at Salvation Army after her retirement in banking to stay active, be self-sufficient and perhaps also meet her need to speak over 30,000 words a day, a need her son-in-love could no longer meet.

Gayle had an inspiring, true love for people and service. She cherished being involved in activities and expanding herself, ranging from her time in Toastmasters in Portland to overcome her lack of self-confidence, bowling leagues in Astoria and programs with children, including the SMART readers program, Young Life, and Sunday school at her church. In a time in which women were not afforded as many opportunities, she was a champion bowler and a top saleswoman for Avon as a single mother.

Gayle was a survivor and a testament to the power of faith, love and joy in all seasons of life. She was a survivor of domestic violence from her two previous marriages. She also was a survivor of breast cancer for 40 years. When cancer appeared again in her body nine years ago, she battled it with strength and grace.

While courageously battling cancer at the end of her life, she could recite the top draft picks for the NFL this year and the must-see games of the season, including the most handsome players, to the surprise of her young great grandchildren. Her many hobbies and interests, stemming from her pure joy for life, such as pro tennis, Duck football, Dale Earnhardt Senior AND Junior, movies, celebrity gossip and country music kept her cheerful, vibrant and beautiful.

Gayle had a deep love for God, her family, and old and new friends. Cats and dogs, especially those in need, brought Gayle such joy. She also had a special love for animals. Gayle saw God’s touch in all creation, especially the ocean and the waves. Rainbows and the snow- capped mountains in Southern Oregon were reminders to her of God’s goodness and she enjoyed sharing her love for God, his work and her hope with others.

Gayle told everyone her greatest joy in life besides having her daughter Cathy, was the birth of her three grandchildren. She loved them with dedication, selflessness and passion. Gayle chose to leave her life in Portland to move to North Bend to be part of their childhood. Gayle knew what mattered in life, took action with conviction and gave without asking for anything in return. She had a well of endless love, as well as a spirit of fun and boundless energy. She was always ready to go to any sporting event, cheer on the “hometown” and her grandchildren’s friends, share her bag of candy and lend a listening ear. She could be seen speeding down Highway 101 or Virginia Avenue with her American flag and University of Oregon flags blowing in the wind many nights-ready for the next adventure with her grandchildren.

Gayle is survived by her daughter Cathy and son-in-law Randy from Medford, grandchildren Lindsey Bishop, Michael Bishop, Shelby Druihet, their spouses, nine great- grandchildren, her sister Jan Bunney, her brother Gary Anshutz and their families.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2 pm on June 28th at Bethel Vista Point Church in Medford with a reception to follow at the church.

Her family would like to express our deepest appreciation to Providence Hospice and Asante Cancer Center for their wonderful care of Gayle and their support during this difficult time.