Gayle Sharon Alexander

A bright star now shines in heaven as God called on his faithful servant Gayle Sharon Alexander at the age of 70. Following a short battle with cancer, Gayle passed peacefully at home under the loving care of her sister Cathy on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021.

Gayle was born on Oct. 18, 1950, in La Grande, Ore., to Florence and Charles Boyce. Gayle’s father was a lineman, so the family moved to Sandpoint, Libby, Mont., and Bonners Ferry in 1962.

She graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1968 and married Robert Diller. They had two sons but the marriage ended in divorce. Later she married Lester Eby, had another son and they moved to the Washington coast; however that marriage also ended in divorce. She then married Joe Ralph and helped raise his two daughters, Sharon and Rita.

During her time in Washington, Gayle lived and worked for 30 years in computer manufacturing and aircraft parts assembly. Finally, after her last divorce, Gayle returned to Bonners Ferry in 2000, reunited with her high school sweetheart and married Don Alexander in 2001.

Gayle was a true caregiver so she obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant license, worked at Boundary Community Hospital and then as a home health CNA. This enabled her to care for Don during the final years of his life. Then in 2020, Gayle purchased her own home, had her own truck, and was enjoying life working at her most treasured job with the staff at the Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic. Her love of animals provided a comfortable home for her dog Sadie and her three sweet cats Momma Kitty, Sammie, and Dusty. These furry friends brought her great companionship during her most difficult times.

Gayle was preceded in death by her parents Charles Boyce and Florence Carey, a sister Terry Boyce, two brothers Jimmy and Curtis Boyce, and two sons, Dale Diller and Daniel Eby. She is survived by her sister, Cathy Wells (Robert), her son Robert Diller, Jr., stepdaughters Rita Ralph and Lisa Cook, grandchildren Steven and Michael Diller, and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at the Bonners Ferry Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bonners Ferry Funeral Home and Pastor Nevin Neal. Following the service, a celebration potluck luncheon will be held at the home of Dr. Roland and Linda Endow Hall to share in remembrance of a very special friend to all — Gayle Alexander.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Gayle, donations may be made to Better Together Animal Alliance (formally Panhandle Animal Shelter) or the Boundary County Fair 4-H Awards Program.