Gaye Elna Koski

Gaye Elna (Townley) (Willett) Koski, affectionately known to many as “GrammaGaye”, passed away on November 19, 2025, at her home in Sheridan, WY.

Gaye was born on February 9, 1947, to James and Phyllis Townley in Wilmington, DE. She was raised in Newark, DE, alongside six brothers and one sister. After graduating from nurse’s training in 1966, she moved to Vancouver, WA. In 1969, Gaye married Walter Willett and together they had four children. After their divorce in 1978, Gaye moved to Kalispell, MiT where she assisted her parents with their relocation from Newark after their retirement. She later moved to Shakopee, MN, with Don Koski whom she married in 1984.

In March 1995, Gaye moved to Sheridan, WY. She graduated with her RN degree from Sheridan College in May 2000. She was very close to her children: Melody (Hans) Redinger, Philip (Sonia) Willett, David (Shari) Willett, and Heidi (Lance) Taylor, all of Sheridan, WY. She leaves behind thirty-eight grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.

When Gaye married Donald, she also lovingly welcomed his five children: Donald R. (Sheri) Koski Jr. of Bellevue, NE, Malanie Komm of Sheridan, WY; Melinda (Jens) Thorsen of Shakopee, MIN; Douglas Koski of Brownton, MN; and Melissa (Jim) Foley of Watkins, MN, she was also blessed with eighteen step-great-grandchildren.

Gaye enjoyed scrapbooking, baking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also deeply involved in genealogy work, researching and preserving the histories of several close families.

Gaye was a lifelong member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, and family was always at the center of her life, she was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Phyllis Townley; one brother. Trent Townley; no husbands, Walter Willett and Donald Koski, and three grandchildren: Austin Anderson, Leaf Blomquist, and Sierra Blomquist.

She is survived by her brothers David (Thelma) of Estelline, SD; Philip (Deb) of Duncannon, PA: Jon (Peg) of Middletown, DE; Rand of New York Mills, MN; and Dana (Rhesa) of Yacolt, WA; as well as her sister, Phyllis (Stan) Granger of Rising Sun, MD. She will be greatly missed by her many relatives, friends, nephews, and nieces.

Gaye Elna (Townley) (Willett) Koski, 78, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in Sheridan, WY at her home.

 A Viewing is from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. Funeral Service is 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, interment will be at the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, Juniper Heights. A reception will follow at the church.

Memorials to honor Gaye may be made to the Old Apostolic Church, 111 Metz Road, Sheridan, WY 82801; The Hub on Smith, 211 Smith St, Sheridan, WY, 82801 or to Hospice of the Big Horns, PO Box 391, Sheridan, WY 82801. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.