Madelyn Ruth (Layton) Saric Gale

She grew up on the family homestead in Blyn and graduated from Sequim High School in 1958. Clubs she belonged to were the Ever-ready 4H Club, Rainbow Girls, the Girls Club, and FHA.

She attended Western Washington University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Education. Right after graduation, Madelyn moved to Kodiak, Alaska where she taught school. She had an iron clad rule of no swearing in class and if caught the offending mouth was promptly washed out with soap! She delighted in retelling her stories later in life. Her parents moved to Alaska about that same time. Her father, Virgil Layton passed away of a heart attack just after the 1964 Alaskan earthquake while doing salvage work in the Kodiak Harbor. Her mother Estella remained in Alaska until her death in 1989. Madelyn had a passion for history leading her to obtain her master’s degree in that subject. She loved living in Alaska and remained there until retirement in the 1980’s, returning to her family home.

Madelyn loved dogs and people. She was known for her radiant smile, quick wit and generosity. She gave often to charities and reached out to touch the lives of those around her. A longtime friend gave her the nick name “St. Madelyn”.

Madelyn traveled the world and visited just about every country except China.

Madelyn had the unfortunate experience of being widowed four times. Donald Vertz, Magnus Magnusson, William Poland, and Mirsad Saric preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband John Gale whom she married October 1, 2018. They spent many hours telling stories and laughing about their adventures and misadventures. Also surviving her are a number of cousins and several stepchildren from previous marriages.

She will be buried next to her grandparents, Joseph and Isabel Moniz at the Zaccardo Family Cemetery in Blyn, Washington.  The funeral will held Saturday, March 7th at 2 pm at the cemetery.

Please add your stories about Madelyn. We would love to hear them!