Audrey Gilmore

Audrey passed away Mar. 18, 2022, in East Wenatchee, WA, surrounded by her family. She was born Dec. 14, 1924, in Spokane, WA and grew up in Kalispell, MT where she graduated from Thompson Falls High School. Some of her fondest memories from childhood were spent camping in the summer at Glacier Park where her father was a fire dispatcher for the park service. She attended Montana State University in Bozeman and transferred to Eastern Washington University where she majored in art. There she met the love of her life Bruce Gilmore. They were married in her parent's garden in Kalispell June 22, 1947. Bruce taught school in Sunnyside, WA, and Hot Springs, MT before moving to Alberton, MT in 1954, where they raised their 6 children Audrey loved to read, camp, sew, knit, quilt, paint, and draw. She kept friends and family informed about her family's activities with her witty correspondence especially her Christmas letters. Gatherings she hosted included word games, jigsaw puzzles, bridge, and delicious food. From themed birthday parties, to hosting holidays, picnics, community events, and faculty parties, she was the consummate hostess. She taught art lessons and Sunday School. She was active in Alberton United Methodist Church, book clubs, Bible study, Mineral County Library Board, garden club, and senior citizens. She was a talented artist, especially watercolors. She showed and sold paintings in several galleries in the Northwest. She and Bruce made outdoor Christmas Creches for display, and painted murals in the Alberton Schools. Her artistic talents were displayed in many aspects of her life. She and Bruce built their dream log home on the Clark Fork River and retired there in the 80's. Their yard and garden were always evolving and provided beauty and provisions. After Bruce passed away in 2009, she moved to Alberton until 2018 and then went to live with her daughter Winona and son-in-law Steve in East Wenatchee, where she was active in Trinity United Methodist Church. She often said how blessed she was and what a good life she had. She was preceded in death by Bruce, her parents Winona and Fred A. Hagel, her brother Fred C. Hagel and many beloved family members and friends. She is survived by her brother, Frank D. Hagel (Sara Walsh), her children, Pam Cole (Tim), Greg (Darcy Curry), Winona Forme (Steve DeFolo), Phil (Janelle Gray), Russell (Peggy), Melissa ( Todd Goodall) as well as 15 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. You are invited to view Audrey's online tribute to share memories or condolences with the family at https://www.chapelofthevalleyncw.com Donations may be made in Audrey's name to Alberton United Methodist Church, Alberton Food Bank, or the charity of your choice. A Memorial Celebration will be officiated by Rev. Waveland King Saturday May 21, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. at Alberton Community Church; lunch to follow in the fellowship hall. Arrangements assisted by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Audrey Gilmore

December 14, 1924 - March 18, 2022