Gail (Sundin) Koke-Azure

Gail (Sundin) Koke-Azure passed away peacefully May 23, 2017.

Gail Ann was born on September 21, 1943, in Wallace, Idaho, to Arvid "Swede" and Mary Sundin. She grew up in Malta, Mont., and graduated from Malta High School in 1961. She married Bob Koke in 1961. They had two children, John and Julie in Libby, Mont., and later moved to Spokane, Wash., in 1973 where she lived until her passing.

She went to community college for an accounting degree and had her own business called Spokane Bookkeeping Service for 35 years. She had numerous clients she considered friends and when entering her office by Audubon Park you always felt at home and welcome. Gail married Maynard Azure in 2001 and continued to work up until her stroke in 2011.

Gail enjoyed many trips to her favorite place in the mountains in Zortman, Mont., spending time with family and friends there. Gail was an avid collector of many things and specifically of her hero, actor John Wayne. She appreciated every holiday, birthday or event and made sure it was special. She was always ready with a funny joke or story and never missed the opportunity to share.

Gail "Nana" was most proud of her grandkids and enjoyed the time she spent with them. Gail lost so much in a short time including her nephew Matt Holman in 2008, son John Koke in 2010 and her granddaughter Courtney Koke in 2011. Gail had a stroke in 2011 which took her voice, her laugh, her caring personality and her feisty nature.

Gail is survived by her husband Maynard Azure, sisters Jane Ereaux and Billie Rae Holman (Don), daughter Julie Lukes (Tom), grandsons Mitch Lukes and Jonathon Koke, granddaughter Kaitlyn Koke, nephew Bob Ereaux, her dear friends Lloyd and Helen Brickey and many friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Stroke Association.