Lee Walter Gay, 91, Passes Away in Missouri

Longtime resident of Colville, Washington, moved to Missouri in later life

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Lee Walter Gay, a 91-year-old resident of LaMonte, Missouri, passed away at his home on February 8, 2026. Gay was born in Ellensburg, Washington, in 1934 and spent much of his life in the Pacific Northwest, working as a custodian for the Colville School District and running a carpet cleaning business with his first wife, Jean, before moving to Missouri in his later years to be with his second wife, Ganelle Reid.

Why it matters

Gay's life story reflects the changing demographics and economic shifts in small-town America over the past several decades, as longtime residents of the Pacific Northwest relocated to other parts of the country in retirement. His deep Christian faith and commitment to community service also highlight the important role that religion and volunteerism can play in the lives of the elderly.

The details

Gay was the youngest of four children born to Walter and Mary Gay. He attended high school in Puyallup, Washington, and married his first wife, Jean Moorhead, in 1954. The couple had five children and built their dream home in Colville, Washington, where Gay worked as a custodian and started a carpet cleaning business with Jean. After Jean's passing in 1997, Gay met and married Ganelle Reid in 1999, moving with her to Missouri, where he was an active member of Mt. Zion Christian Church until his death.

  • Lee Walter Gay was born on December 25, 1934.
  • Gay married his first wife, Jean Moorhead, on September 26, 1954.
  • Gay's first wife, Jean, passed away on March 2, 1997.
  • Gay married his second wife, Ganelle Reid, on December 20, 1999.
  • Gay passed away at his home in LaMonte, Missouri, on February 8, 2026.

The players

Lee Walter Gay

A 91-year-old resident of LaMonte, Missouri, who spent much of his life in the Pacific Northwest before relocating to Missouri in his later years.

Jean Moorhead

Gay's first wife, with whom he had five children and built a dream home in Colville, Washington.

Ganelle Reid

Gay's second wife, whom he married in 1999 after the passing of his first wife, and with whom he lived in Missouri until his death.

Pastor Rick Gay

The pastor who will be officiating Gay's Celebration of Life Service.

Mary (Morris) and Walter Gay

Gay's parents, who raised him in Ellensburg, Washington.

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What’s next

A Celebration of Life Service for Lee Walter Gay will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Concordia, Missouri.

The takeaway

Gay's life story highlights the ways in which the elderly can remain active, engaged, and committed to their faith and communities, even as they navigate major life changes like the loss of a spouse and relocation in retirement.