Gail Lee Lincoln

Gail Lee Lincoln, a long-time Olympia resident, passed away at home on August 13, 2017, surrounded by her loved ones. Gail was born on April 29, 1936 in Mason City, Iowa, to Ralph and Arvilla Mickelson. The family also spent time in California and Oregon during her childhood before settling in Washington. After graduating from Tenino High School in 1954, Gail earned a secretarial degree from Dietz Business College. In June of 1956, she married James “Jim” Lincoln, her high school sweetheart, and they enjoyed 61 wonderful years together. Gail worked for the Tenino Telephone Company before moving to Olympia, where she worked for State Government for 36 years. She worked at the Department of Labor and Industries for a brief period, and then found her calling at the Washington State Library, where she spent most of her career. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for three former State Librarians, Maryanne Reynolds, Rod Swartz, and Nancy Zussey. Gail’s loved ones are desperately missing this loving, kind and generous woman who valued time with her family above all else. She was a fantastic cook who loved opening her home to friends and family. She enjoyed gardening, reading and traveling, and was envied for her luck on the slot machines. As the family’s baking queen, she was known for her delicious brownies, amazing dinner rolls, and the elaborate cookie trays she shared with so many at Christmas. Quick to laugh and quick to forgive, Gail’s personality lit up every room she entered and was enhanced by her elegance and grace. She was amazing at everything she did, but most of all she was an outstanding wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was and always will be our hero. Gail is survived by her husband, Jim Lincoln; daughter, Cheri (Bob) Thurston; son, Michael (Laurianne) Lincoln; brothers, William (Linda) Mickelson and Ron (Lori) Mickelson; sisters, Patti Fisher and Betty Mickelson; grandchildren, Jenifer Reddoch, Kyle (Ashley) Drennon, Quinten (Amy) Lincoln, Robert (Nikki) Schulgen, Makala Thurston, Sophia Thurston; great grandchildren, Taner, Adisyn, London and Liam; sisters-in-law, Nancy (Doug) Kelly, Betty (Mike) Gould and Cheryl Johnson; and dozens of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Cynthia Lincoln; her brother, Clarence Mickelson; her in-laws, Eric and Geneva Lincoln; brother-in-law, Dennis Johnson; and grandson, Robert Reddoch. God bless you Gail, Mom, Grandma. We know you’re flying with the angels now and we love you! Please leave memories of Gail or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.