Gail A. Riesen

I was born on July 20, 1943, to Patrick and Fern White in Lebanon, Oregon. In 1944, my parents and four older siblings moved to Toledo, Oregon, where James and Elizabeth Ann were born. Elizabeth lived for a short 7 hours, and my mother passed after a battle with cancer in 1949. Summers were spent in Lebanon with relatives so we kids could pick berries and beans to earn money for school clothes. Late in 1956 (8th grade), I was placed in foster care. Later I learned my dad’s brother turned him in to Child Welfare as us kids were left alone too much. 

Two brothers went to a children’s farm home; one went into the Navy. I was fortunate to be placed with Art and Maxine Renken. Art ran the Shell Service Station in Newport, Oregon, and Maxine was a Youth Leader at church. So many wonderful memories of campouts and family get-togethers. It was the first time I knew what a family really was. The Lord had his hand on me then and throughout my life. After high school I went to Long Beach, California because I had two brothers there in the Navy and knew I’d think twice about calling to come home. In February 1962, my brother introduced me to my future husband. He told me the first thing I would notice was his shiny shoes, and he was right! We were married two months later for almost 64 years. Through all the ups and downs, including losing a child, I felt God’s hand on me. At church, I felt drawn to getting ladies together once a month to get to know each other better and to meet new members. What a success and a blessing for each of us. My biggest blessing is knowing the Lord and what a blessing our children were and still are. Thank you Lord. 

Gail is survived by her children Ken (Melissa) Riesen, Kelly (Eric) Weatherman; four grandchildren Kameron (Brette) Weatherman, Josh (Shadda) Weatherman, Kevin Riesen, Klarity Riesen; three great-granddaughters Kendall, McKinley, and Maveryk; brothers Jim (Carroll) White, Mike Renken; sisters Trudy (Ron) Wheeler, Louanne ( John) Garland; nephew Andy ( June) Bible and many more nieces and nephews. Gail, who passed July 31, 2026, was preceded in death by her husband Philip (Butch) Riesen, son Kevin, parents Patrick and Fern White, foster parents Art and Maxine Renken, brothers Kent (Myrtle) Hall, Maurie (Norma) White, Ronald White, Fred Renken, sisters Elizabeth Ann and Kay Anderson. A celebration of Life will be held Monday, September 28, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Colville Free Methodist Church, 1221 E Hawthorne, Colville; potluck to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope for Youth Ethiopia, Gideon Bibles, or a charity of your choice.