Gayle Eilleen Booker

Gayle Eilleen Booker, 83, of Seattle, Washington, a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, after a short bout with A.M.L, a very aggressive Leukemia.

Gayle was born October 25, 1942, in Fargo, North Dakota to Howard and Irene Risedorf. Gayle had two siblings, an older sister Marlene, who was 9 years older, and a brother Gary, two years older. Although Gayle had a close and loving relationship with both Marlene and Gary, Gayle and Gary were close buds.

Gayle’s father Howard, a telephone company installer, moved the family to Yakima in 1946 for employment and to be closer to his sisters. In 1959 Gayle married and started her family, who later moved to Seattle.

Gayle was a hardworking, dedicated and loyal employee and most of her working life was in the Seattle area. She worked many years and held many positions for Kelley’s Telephone Answering Service where Gayle met more than a few dear and lifelong friends. Gayle went on to become a payroll supervisor with Washington Mutual Bank, and later in the same role with another firm. An example of her dedication and loyalty showed following the destructive Nisqually earthquake in 2001 when she took the entire firm’s payroll envelopes home for safekeeping.

Gayle was witty and outgoing and had an infectious laugh that you couldn’t help but smile or laugh with her when you heard it. She had at times introduced herself to strangers by approaching them and saying “Hi, my name is Gayle and I’m practicing my handshake” or when asked what she did for a living she would say that she “put the plastic tips on the end of shoelaces”.

Gayle had four children, LaTisha (Tish), Stacy, Paige and Jason. Sadly, she lost her youngest daughter Paige in October 2023.

Gayle is survived by her husband Bill, her three children, Tish (with husband Dan), Stacy, and Jason, stepdaughters Kristen, Carrie and their families, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, her sister, Marlene, many cousins, nieces, nephews and a great number of dear friends. She is loved by many, and we are going to miss her very much!

Until we see you again, Mom….

We will be having a Celebration of Life for Gayle and would love for all who want to share in celebrating her to join us. We will be posting the date and location as soon as we have it confirmed.