Gail Elaine Burkenbine

Gail Elaine Burkenbine, 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Walla Walla, on January 26, 2017, surrounded by her two loving daughters and beloved son-in-law. She was born May 19, 1939, in Hillsboro, Oregon, to Bosko Bugarsky and Dorothy (Matteson) Bugarsky. She soon moved to Pendleton where she lived until she graduated from Pendleton High School.

She married Reese Forrest (“Forrie”) Burkenbine on June 16, 1957, in Heppner, Oregon, where they lived until 2013, when they relocated to Walla Walla. They owned Central Market in Heppner from 1975 until their retirement in 1999.

Gail and Forrie loved going to Ajo, Arizona, for the winters and spent summers in Heppner. Gail was a member of the Ajo Quilt Guild as well as the Walla Walla Quilt Guild. She was active in the Lions Club in Ajo and Heppner, as well as other community service based organizations over the years. She also enjoyed volunteering for the Food Pantry and at the Walla Walla Senior Center.

She is survived by daughters, Lisa (Paul) Leonard of Walla Walla, Connie LaFarge of Salem, Oregon; granddaughters, Jennifer Hammons, Monica Madsen, Stephanie Burkenbine, Samantha Burkenbine, Amy McRoberts Rupnow, Amanda Heimbigner, Sara Pinkerton and Allyson Wise; as well as eight greatgrandchildren.

Her sweetheart Forrie predeceased her in 2014; and her son, Allen in 2015. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at 1 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church in Heppner. Memorial contributions can be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice or the Heppner Fire Department through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book at www.herringgroseclose.com.