GayLee Dillingham

GayLee Kenyon Dillingham died in her home Sunday, March 25, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. GayLee was well known and loved by many. The hallmark of her life was that she always reached out to others deserving or undeserving. Her quick smile and uplifting voice of encouragement gave fresh hope to all.

Born February 10, 1944 in Orofino, Idaho to Orville (Bud) Kenyon and Violet Emery Kenyon, GayLee was the youngest of three children. The family lived in Northern Idaho until the death of her father when GayLee was 4 years old. They then relocated to Grays Harbor in 1948. She attended school in Elma, Washington, completing high school and attended Peninsula College.

GayLee was a committed Christian and had a deep, abiding love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved to worship, often dancing before the Lord to express her love and joy. She was a worship leader helping to draw others into the presence of God. She had a strong belief in the power of prayer and was constantly praying for her family and others. GayLee was on the worship team of Lighthouse Christian Center and sang in choirs and cantatas.

Because of her adventuresome spirit and outlook, GayLee lived in various parts of the United States and other parts of the world. She has lived in Idaho, Washington, California, Oregon, Hawaii, Guam and Palau. While living in the island nation of Palau GayLee adopted three children, Rose Linton, Heart Rengiil and Betra Rengiil.

She has been a model, a waitress, care giver, worked for community mental health, drove a dump truck, shake & shingle mill worker and was a part owner of a commercial fishing boat.

GayLee had many gifts and talents. She was a skilled seamstress and gardener. She loved working with tools, carpentry and wood working. Recently she completed remodeling the bathrooms, of her home.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne Dillingham, Four children: Rose Linton, Bend, OR, Heart Rengiil and Betra Rengiil of Port Angeles and step-son Michael Dillingham of Port Angeles. Two grandsons also survive; Loyal Linton of Montesano, WA and Zachary Linton of Bend OR. Other surviving family are a sister, Edra Kenyon Hays of Vancouver WA, brother Ira Kenyon of Elma and numerous nephews and nieces.