Gail Huntley Wright, 80
Gail Huntley Wright, in the presence of her loving sons, lost her battle with cancer on March 7, 2014.
On May 7, 1933, Gail came into this world and joined big brother Clayton at the Huntley Ranch in Wisdom. Her parents, Ralph and Ebba, were thrilled with their beautiful baby girl.
She valued her Big Hole Valley upbringing and liked to say you can take the girl off the ranch but you can’t take the ranch off the girl. But her greatest pleasure came from being mom to her two sons, Ralph and Dan.
Gail went to elementary school in Wisdom where her dad rented a house so they didn’t have to travel from the ranch into town every day. She graduated from Dillon High school in 1954. Gail then attended the University of Montana, graduating in 1958 with a degree in home economics. While in college, she met and married Gerry Ashmore and moved to Oregon. She taught school one year there before returning to Missoula where Ralph and Dan were born. Gerry and Gail later divorced.
Gail married the love of her life Keith Wright on Nov. 1, 1981. Together, Gail and Keith made their lives in Polson. They enjoyed life on the lake, golfing, traveling to exotic places and attending Grizzly Football games. Gail filled her life with numerous activities. She was a member of the Missoula and Polson P.E.O. chapters and was active with the Delta Gamma alumni association. She loved her book club and knitting club. Her range of talents included knitting, painting, crocheting, sewing, fabric arts, glass making and quilting. She was a busy, social woman and her enthusiasm for life was inspiring. Through these activities and life’s adventures, Gail developed lifelong friendships with many exceptional people. She was a woman who truly touched many lives and she cherished all her special friends.
Gail was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Wright.
She is survived by her sons, Ralph and Suzy Ashmore and grandson, Oliver Lang-Ashmore, and Dan and Debbie Ashmore.
She is also survived by her stepchildren, Blaine Wright, Beth Cole and her children Madison and Sam, and Brad Wright and Heidi, and children Molly and Ben. Additionally, she is survived by her big brother, Clayton and Barbara Huntley; nieces, Sheryl, Patti and Susan; nephews, Blake and Rob; and many great nieces and nephews. Gail was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandma and auntie.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 14 at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. in Polson.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Montana Food Bank, Loaves and Fishes or Safe Harbor of Polson.
Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.