Gay Janelle Wardell, 75

Gay Janelle Wardell, from Coeur d’Alene, died May 20, 2016. She passed at home with her loving husband of 54 years by her side. Gay was born on July 27, 1940, in Fresno, Calif., to Roy and Adaline (Warkentin) Stoltenberg.

She grew up in Clovis, Calif., and graduated from Clovis High School, where she met her husband. Gay married Michael Wardell on Jan. 6, 1962, the same year they welcomed their first child, Michael. They were joined by daughter, Jodi, in 1968.

Gay was a homemaker, who devoted her life to her children and grandchildren. Gay and her husband moved to Bellingham, Wash., in 1989, and then settled in Coeur d’Alene, in 1992. She loved to travel and enjoyed volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes, and with children until her dementia no longer allowed her to do so.

Gay is survived by her husband, Mike, at home; son Michael and his wife, Cheryl, along with their children: Heather, Caitlyn, Ashleigh, Joseph and Samuel, living in Roseville, Calif.; and daughter Jodi, husband Wes, and their children: Tyler and Jacob, of Coeur d’Alene. She is also survived by her brothers, Ron (Pat) and Les, their children; and numerous cousins and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

Services will be held Saturday, June 18, 2016, in her birthplace of Fresno. No local services will be held. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Gay’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.