With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Gale Norman Noblitt, our loving husband, devoted father and friend to all of those whose lives he has touched, April 20, 2019. Gale left us while sleeping peacefully at home in Mossyrock, Wash. He was born in Robinson, Ill., May 24, 1935, to Bruce & Nellie Noblitt.
Gale Noblitt was the beloved husband of Ruby; much loved father of Terry, Betsy, Tony, Eric and Aaron; much loved stepfather of Danielle, Tami, Bryan and Brad; a cherished grandfather of 14; and great-grandfather of 24; along with several step grandchildren; and step great-grandchildren. He was also the very dearly beloved brother of Lois Simms-Voorheis, Geneva Freeman-Ragon, Paul Noblitt, Kay Pye and Chloe Pearce. Gale is also loved and remembered by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce; mother, Nellie; sister, Lois; big brother, Paul; great-granddaughter, Merrell Monger; niece, Kathi Jo Morgan; nephew, Steve Tuttle; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Gale lived a vibrant full life as a wonderful and caring husband, father and “breadwinner”. After graduating from Robinson High School, he started working at the oil refinery in Robinson, Ill., then a few years later, he started his own contracting business. In 1979, he fulfilled his dream and made his way to the great northwest, which he loved so dearly. Gale finished out his career years working for the United States Forest Service in Randle and Packwood area as a heavy equipment operator and their fleet manager. In his spare time Gale filled those hours with more hard work doing carpentry and remodeling jobs, but he would always find some time to spend with Ruby playing music and doing woodworking in his shop.
We spent many weekends hiking, backpacking and camping in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. During those years, Gale discovered a natural arch which he and wife Ruby were able to name and it is now on the forest service maps as “The Sanctuary Arch”. We found it to be a place of refuge and safety for the mountain goats and other animals.
In 1996, Gale retired from work and along with Ruby they became snowbirds. Loving the desert almost as much as the mountains, he spent the next 12 or so years between Yuma, Ariz., and Washington State. During those years, Gale became an author and published his book along with an audio book, “Life’s Pathways In Rhyme”. Most of all, he loved his children and instilled in them strong values that have served them well. He was one proud father of his five children.
A celebration of Gale’s life will be held at The Cowlitz Prairie Grange Toledo, Wash., May 18, 2019, at 1 p.m., with a potluck reception to follow. He will later be laid to rest at The Sanctuary Arch in Randle, Wash.
