Our dear mother Gayle V. Putnam passed away on June 17, 2023, at the age of 79. She was an amazing mother who was always there when we needed her. She also had many close friends and relatives and was a well-loved member of the community in Bellingham. She was an incredibly kind, funny, energetic and loving person. For anyone who knew her you knew that she considered you family. She loved her children and all of their friends. She loved to laugh, joke and just have a good time. She was a caring person and loved nothing more than to spend time with family and friends. “‘Mama” was one of a kind. It didn’t matter who you were or what you did, the front door was always open, it was literally always open. She would cook for all of us all hours of the day, feeding the entire neighborhood, but that was her, and she loved it! Sadly, her health had been failing for some time but it’s still so hard to say goodbye.

Gayle grew up in West Seattle and graduated from Rainier Beach High School in Seattle. She was a homemaker most of her adult life and loved her time working at Hampton Inn and Squalicum Landing restaurant in Bellingham.

She was survived by her four kids, Jerry (Leanne) Irwin , Jeff (Antonieta) Putnam, Scott (Beth) Putnam and Heidi Johnson (Damion Jarger), her grandchildren Madison (Joseph) McGinnis, Sammi Putnam, Spencer Putnam, Paige Putnam, Kate Putnam, Courtney (Joel) Parlour, Bryan (Alison) Irwin, and Great Grandchildren Brinton & Addy Parlour, and Lilah McGinnis. She is survived by her dear brother Ronald Williams. She was married to Robert Spencer Putnam from 1966 to 1989.

A Celebration of life for Gayle will be held later this summer. Date to be determined. All donations will go to Olive Crest, non-profit adoption Services.