Gail Gettings

Gail Gettings, 72, longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away Friday, Oct. 5, 2007, at Swedish Hospital in Seattle after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Gail was born to Leslie C. Gettings and Verona Mae Bales on June 25, 1935, in Walla Walla, Wash. Gail met the love of his life Elizabeth (Betty) Grueniech in a high school psychology class. Gail and Betty were married Feb. 13, 1955.

Gail started his career in the grocery store at the age of 17 as a baker in Walla Walla. Gail moved his family to Moses Lake in 1963 and worked as a baker for Jack's Bargain Barn. Gail also worked for Excell Foods, as the Manager of the bakery, deli, produce and the assistant manger over the grocery department. Gail was not one to retire, he worked part time for Jet Air and Quincy Valley Fitness.

Gail was a very active member of the 2nd Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gail held many, many callings in the church. He also served two missions with his life partner Betty. Gail's favorite activities were camping with the Evergreeners, gardening, traveling and spending time with the family, especially his grandchildren. He also loved to tinker. Gail had the ability to see when someone was in need and he was always the first one to offer a helping hand.

Gail is survived by his wife Betty of 52 years and four children; Joseph Gettings and Annette Wilson of Mercer Island, Barbara Gettings and Fred Hooker of Salinas, Calif., James and April Gettings and Lori and Kirby Messer of Moses Lake; Eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter and a great-grandson due to be born January 2008.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Grape Drive Chapel with Bishop Keith Coulson conducting. Internment will follow at 3 p.m. at the Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens in Walla Walla. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. The family will greet friends at the church on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Moses Lake Cancer Foundation in the name of the Kirby Derby. The Kirby Derby was a fund-raising project benefiting the American Cancer Society. Gail worked very hard year after year to solicit donations with his son in law Kirby Messer.