Gail Gleason

Gail (Doney) Gleason, 75, a spirited and loving wife, mother, nana, auntie, sister and friend, passed away March 9, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy of love that will never be forgotten. 

Gail was born Jan. 18, 1950, in Yakima, Wash., to Joseph and Lorraine Doney. She grew up in a large and loving family. Gail had seven siblings; they each had a special nickname — hers was “Dirty Girl.”  

She was preceded in death by her twin brother, Dale Doney (“Dirty Man”), as well as Leonard Doney (“Baby”), Richard Doney (“Lover”) and Duane Doney Sr. (“Stinker”).  

She is survived by her sisters, Edith Ford (“Honey”) and Wanda Shepard (“Sister”), and her oldest brother, Ivan Doney (“Son”). Gail was the favorite auntie to numerous nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory. 

Gail was a proud Native American and a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Her heritage was an important part of who she was, and she carried the strength, resilience and spirit of her ancestors throughout her life. She embraced her culture with pride and passed down its values of love, family and perseverance to those she held dear. 

Gail married Ken Morton in February 1968, and together they had three beloved children: Michelle Morton, Janis Morton and Joseph “JR” Morton. Though their paths eventually separated, she later married her soulmate, Frank Gleason, in August 2000. Frank preceded Gail in death in October 2022. Together, Gail and Frank built a wonderful life filled with love, laughter and family. While they did not have children together, Gail embraced Frank’s children, Dani Flatt and Casey Gleason, as her own. 

Gail was a proud and devoted grandmother who cherished her family and adored her grandchildren: Dale “Bubba” DeVries, Timothy Allison, Shandra Gales, Bradley Allison, Sarah Blades, Chantel Morton, Shayla Anderson (Morton), Shane Doney, Shaun Blades, Brayden Morton and Nathaniel Gleason. She also treasured her great-grandsons, Carson, Kaleb and Koda DeVries, as well as her great-granddaughters Delaney and Avery Sheffield. Nothing brought her more joy than watching them all grow. Her love and guidance will live on in their hearts forever. 

Anyone fortunate enough to have met Gail knew she was a beautiful spitfire with an infectious energy that brightened every room she entered. Her quick wit, unwavering love and adventurous spirit made her truly one of a kind. One of Gail’s favorite pastimes was trying her luck at the casino. Whether it was pull tabs, slot machines or a game of Spanish 21, she found joy in the thrill of the game and the time spent making memories with friends and family. 

For more than 50 years, Gail shared an unbreakable bond with her best friends, known as the “3 BFFs,” Dona Corbin and Rena Pratt. Together, they created countless memories and filled each other’s lives with laughter, love and plenty of mischief! 

Gail’s fiery spirit, fierce love and undeniable presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Though she may no longer be with us in body, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. 

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Gail’s life will be held Monday, March 24, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Kayser’s Chapel of Memories, located at 831 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Pioneer Memorial Gardens beside her beloved husband, Frank Gleason. Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects. 

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at https://bit.ly/GGLEASON. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.