Mavis Gaither

January 17, 1937 – November 3, 2015

Mavis Gaither, our beautiful, kind, and gracious wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all was welcomed into Heaven on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. Mavis was born in Norton, Kan., Jan. 17, 1937 to Raymond and Ruth Waufle in her parents’ country home. She did not begin this world in a lofty style, but lifted herself during her life to be the first in their family to graduate from college.

She attended school in the Denver area and graduated from West High School where she participated in many activities, including plays and the Honor Society. She graduated Valedictorian of her high school class of 360 and received a full Boetcher Scholarship to attend the University of Northern Colorado where she graduated with a BA in Education.

Mavis married Gayle Gaither in 1958 and began a career teaching English in junior high. She eventually began teaching in an ESL program and later became a lead teacher in the Japanese Agricultural Program through Big Bend Community College. She resided in Moses Lake for 48 years. She was an active member in the community and was co-treasurer for the Rotary Club of Moses Lake Sunrise. She was an integral part of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, where she wore many hats over the years. She was on the Vestry, taught Sunday school for a few years, and settled into taking care of all office duties. While she and Gayle had full-time jobs, they purchased a 150-acre farm in Block 40 and when they couldn’t lease it, they farmed it. This petite little lady picked her share of rocks from the land.

They also owned Columbia Basin Bee Supply and her husband’s parents ran that business for them. More recently she supported her husband, Gayle, with his varied responsibilities as the priest of St. Martin’s. She will be remembered as a person who put others needs before her own and was most comfortable in a support role behind the scenes.

Mavis was the foundation of our family and a true role model of unconditional love. She enjoyed reading, journaling, cooking, and organizing events. She will be remembered for her strong and giving nature, her deep faith and her sense of family. Mavis is survived by her husband, Gayle Gaither; sister, Linda Bartling; children, Dawn (Jeff) McClenahan, Paul (Tara) Gaither and Debbie (Dave) Cooper; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. Reception to follow. Donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or St. Martin’s Episcopal Church for the Outreach programs. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory.