Gay was born to Robert (Rex) and Helen Utt in Wenatchee, WA on August 30th, 1949. She was the second child of the couple. She graduated from Wenatchee High school in 1967.
Gay married James Tabayoyon of Wapato, WA in May of 1969. They had 4 children that they raised in Yakima and divorced in 2017. Gay also had a daughter in 1965 that was given up for adoption that she was filled with joy to be reunited with in 2014.
Gay is survived by her 5 children: Kristy Patterson, David Tabayoyon, Eric Tabayoyon, Sean Tabayoyon and Tami Sargent. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Anita (David) Tabayoyon and her grandchildren: Max Patterson, Kate Patterson, Callie, Tabayoyon, Alissa Tabayoyon, Shelby Tabayoyon, Naikeely Tabayoyon, Chris Tabayoyon, Payton Tabayoyon, Mahal Tabayoyon, Tim Sargent, Jeff Sargent, Chris Sargent. She is also survived by 11 of her 12 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister (Rita Harvey) and brother-in-law as well as her mother-in-law Toni Tabayoyon..
Gay was a kind neighbor and caring co-worker. She often went out of her way to help others even if it meant a sacrifice to herself. Gay loved being a grandmother. She was notorious for spoiling all of them and spreading herself thin to love them equally. Be it attending the births of several of the kids or making sure to be at baseball, football, basketball games, band competitions, track meets, soccer games, dance recitals, play performances, baptisms, First Communions, graduations and more. She also loved animals as if they were her own children. Her dog Josie sure showed her who was boss the last 11 years. And her last love was her yard and gardens. If we as kids fight over anything it will be some of the plants in her yard. She would add to it every year in hopes of filling another empty space in the bark.
Gay worked in the Yakima school district for nearly 30 years, most of those years at Franklin Middle school, and retired in 2014. She had many roles in her time at Franklin, but most recently as the Records Secretary. She touched many lives in her time at that school. She was also a Girl Scout as a child, and troop leader for Kristy’s troop in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Her belief in Girl Scouts has filtered down to her granddaughters as well leaving a lasting legacy. Gay also volunteered with the Yakima YMCA Swim Team in the 12+ years her children swam for the team. Gay volunteered in so many other areas of the community and in her kids’ activities that many people will be able to recall moments shared with her.
Gay was not a fan of funerals as she felt they were often sad and depressing. So per her wishes there will not be a funeral but rather a celebration of her life held on April 27, 2019 at Franklin Middle School from noon til 3:00. She asked that we have a party and make it a joyous time. All who wish to celebrate her life and would like further information please text 509-910-9072.
In lieu of flowers (although she loved them) she asked that you make donations in her name to the Yakima Humane Society or local animal shelter.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.8.18