Gary Ellis Heather

March 18, 1940- November 1, 2025

Gary Ellis Heather, 85, passed away in the early hours of November 1, 2025. Gary was a longtime resident of Federal Way, WA. Gary was born on March 18, 1940 in Burns, OR and grew up predominantly in Sedro Woolley, WA where he graduated from high school in 1958. Gary served in the US Army from 1958-1962 and was posted in Germany for majority of his service. Gary met and married his wife of 61 years Lois (Landsem) in Edmore, ND on July 25, 1964. Together Gary and Lois had two children, Michael (1967) and Amy (1971). Together they owned and ran the Ben Franklin Variety Store in Kent, WA from 1971-2000. Upon retirement they loved their daily walks at Redondo Beach and following their beloved Mariners and Seahawks. In June 2024 they moved to Vancouver, WA to be nearer to family. Gary was much beloved and they were long time members of Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines, WA. Surviving Gary are his wife Lois (82), son Michael (Jennifer), and daughter Amy Armstrong (Mark) both of Vancouver, WA as well as their grandchildren Ben Armstrong and Lindsey Heather. Gary is also survived by three sisters Sharlee (Biermann), Carolyn (Cartwright) and Sharon (Martin).