Gwendolyn Kay Hoxie

Gwendolyn Kay Hoxie was born April 28, 1952, to William E. and Maxine L. Hoxie in Yakima Washington. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 26, 2026, at Crescent Healthcare in Yakima Washington at the age of 73 years young. She spent her early childhood years on a farm just south of the city of George Washington. Gwen loved walking in the alfalfa field having pheasants fly up, and yes, snakes found around a pond for irrigation. She enjoyed going on Avon visits with mom. In 1962, Gwen was baptized at Christ the Savior Lutheran Church-MS in the city of George Washington. Gwen then moved with her family to Union Gap Washington and there she attended the Union Gap grade school for 4th grade. She learned to play French horn in band class and enjoyed marching in parades. She finished junior high at Franklin Middle School in Yakima Washington and then went on to A.C Davis High School where she graduated in 1970.

Gwen was in the Aeolians choir, future teachers of America, teacher's aide, primary and honor society. She traveled to England, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Gwen received her associates degree at Yakima Valley Community College and then went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education at Central Washington University. She spent 5 years at Western Washington University in Bellingham Washington and later graduated Lesly University in 2003 where she received her master's degree in education. Gwen also worked on the national board until health reasons made her stop. In 1983, Gwen took a teacher exchange in Australia for one year. While there, she met Dick Cummins, an Australian field hockey player. In 1984, Gwen and Dick got married in Yakima Washington and then moved to Townsville Australia and lived there for 5 years. Gwen helped raise Dick's two daughters, Sharon and Leonne.

Gwen taught at St. Patrick's college and James cook University in North Queensland Australia. A few years later, Gwen moved back to Washington state, and she taught at several grade schools, as well as West Side Christian School in Yakima Washington and a year or two at Toppenish Alternative School. After 35 years, she retired from teaching. Gwen then took up writing short stories and playing with the dulcimer. She enjoyed walking on the beaches anywhere and she loved to cook cookies for everyone. Most of all, she loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Gwen is survived by her brother, Bill Hoxie of Bonney Lake Washington, one stepbrother, Jim Roberts (Leslie) of Etna Wyoming, two stepsisters, Ruth Ann Roberts of Colorado Springs Colorado, Lauri (Jon) of Larkspur Colorado, and several nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give special thanks and blessings to Crescent Healthcare facility workers who tirelessly cared for Gwen these past five years. In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choice in Gwen's name.

A Celebration of Life for Gwendolyn will be held Friday April 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Keith & Keith Funeral Home with a reception to follow.