Leanne Mercer (Black) Gaunt of Echo, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, went to be with her Lord with her husband and youngest daughter by her side on Feb. 1, 2018 at the age of 79.
She was born on Jan. 16, 1939 in Bozeman, Mont. to Darlene Rundlett and Edgar Black.
Leanne’s family moved to Tacoma, Wash. when she was 6 years of age. She met her future husband, Joseph Goretti, in Tacoma, and they were united in marriage on Sept. 10, 1955. In the coming years, the couple were blessed with three daughters, Sueann, Sandy and Shari. After 25 years, the marriage ended in divorce.
Leanne later met Jerry Gaunt. They were married on Aug. 17, 1981 and moved to Hermiston. In 1986, Leanne and Jerry purchased a small grocery store and ice business in Echo. In 1990, they moved to Echo, where they have resided since.
Leanne is survived by her husband, Jerry Gaunt of Echo; daughters, Sueann and Sandy Goretti of Tacoma, Wash., Shari (Chris) Hyde of Hoquiam, Wash., Tammy (Jeff) Anderson of Gig Harbor, Wash. and Peggy (Pat) Fereday of Tacoma, Wash.; son, Jeff (Higinia) Gaunt of West Richland, Wash.; nine grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
Leanne’s family would like to thank Good Shepherd Hospice for the wonderful care and service they provided, as well as a friend and caregiver, Charlene Marcum, for her love, prayers and comfort that she gave to Leanne and her family.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 at the Echo Community Church, 21 N. Bonanza St.
Memorial contributions can be made in Leanne’s memory to Echo Community Church.
