Obituary: Gayle Joanne (Bryan) Millett, 69, The Dalles
Gayle Joanne Millett
Gayle Joanne (Bryan) Millett, 69, of The Dalles, died July 8, 2026, at her residence.
Gayle was born Sept. 18, 1956, in Willow Springs, Missouri, to Coye and Geneva (Sommars) Bryan. She was the third of four children and spent much of her childhood traveling with her family as her father worked construction. She and her siblings, Daniel, Debra and Clinton, enjoyed horseback riding, fishing with their grandparents and camping together. In 1966, the family settled in White Salmon, Washington, where they established lasting friendships and deep community roots.
After graduating from White Salmon High School in 1974, Gayle worked as a server at T&C Restaurant. In 1978, she met the love of her life, Chuck Millett. The couple shared a passion for pool tournaments, motorcycle rides and traveling together.
In 1982, Gayle graduated from Clark College in Vancouver, Washington, an accomplishment she remained especially proud of. She embraced a blended family, and in 1984 welcomed daughter Kassi before relocating to Arizona. After moving to Oregon in 1987, the family welcomed son Kyle. Gayle and Chuck married in 1989 and lived in Washington, Oregon, Arizona and eventually Montrose, Colorado.
Known for her strong work ethic, Gayle held a variety of jobs throughout her life, including server, bartender, cashier, retail associate, nurse, hotel manager and school bus driver. She drove a school bus in Tonopah, Arizona, and especially enjoyed taking students on field trips. As an in-home care nurse and later while working at Colorow Care Center in Montrose, she developed close relationships with her patients, treating many like family. Her retail career eventually brought her to Russell Stover, where her warm personality, welcoming hugs and generous spirit made her a favorite among customers and grandchildren alike.
Following Chuck's death in 2020, Gayle retired and spent time living with her daughters and granddaughters. She rarely missed her grandchildren's sporting events, 4-H activities and graduations. Family members said her grandchildren were the center of her world.
An avid reader, Gayle was rarely seen without a book, a cup of coffee and her black cat, Huck, nearby. During the past several years, she lived in The Dalles with her longtime friend, Jennie. She worked remotely booking horseback rides, a job she enjoyed because it allowed her to remain close to family and friends. She treasured attending family weddings, celebrations and sporting events, where she proudly cheered on her nieces and nephews.
Gayle will be remembered for her generous heart, infectious smile and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter, Kassi (Brandi) Dunham; her son, Kyle (Nicole) Millett; granddaughters Adrianna (Justin) Richardson, Abigail (Mav) Boozell, Rebecca (Braden) Boozell, Isabelle (Zoey) Boozell and Natalie Krogstad; grandsons Kyler Millett, Wyatt Millett, JJ Millett, Hayden Krogstad and Darren Krogstad; great-granddaughters Brinlee and Hadley; great-grandson Greyson; brother Daniel Bryan; sister Debra (Jack) Kelly; brother Clinton (Pixie) Bryan; Karen Nelson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Coye and Geneva Bryan, and by her husband, Chuck Millett.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
