Gayle Colleen Dean

Gayle Dean, 73 went to be with her heavenly Father on February 27, 2023 in Pendleton, Oregon.

She was born in Vancouver, Washington on April 29, 1949 to Lloyd and Colleen Davie. After graduating high school, she married her husband and moved around until finally settled in Pendleton, Oregon where they welcomed their son John Cogan Jr on December 12, 1966. She worked various jobs and would share many stories about her work at the Muffler Shop, Hill Meat Company, and Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution.

While working at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution she met her current husband and best friend Benny Dean. They lived in Pendleton until selling their home to move to Adams, Oregon. After they both retired, they began spending winters in Arizona. Her husband Benny enjoyed playing golf, so Gayle decided to take up the sport and soon she realized that she loved it.

Gayle had many friends as well as close family members. She enjoyed golfing, gardening, sewing, and traveling with her husband. She was best known for how she cared so deeply for her friends and family. She would often be cooking or creating something special for her loved ones to enjoy. She gave selflessly and loved everyone unconditionally.

Gayle is survived by her husband Benny Dean, her Stepson Benny Dean Jr and his wife Lynn, Stepdaughter Saundra Steele and her husband Jerrod, her Granddaughter Samantha Cogan, her Brother Dan Davie and his wife Glennes, her half-sister Elva Johnson, and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Colleen Davie, and her son John Cogan Jr.

Gayle was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend. “God Bless Her.”

The viewing will be at Burns Mortuary of Pendleton at 336 SW Dorian, Pendleton, Oregon. The dates and times are as follows: Thursday March 2nd from 10 am to 7 pm, Friday March 3rd from 10 am to 7 pm, and Saturday March 4th from 10 am to 6 pm.  Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is in charge of arrangements.