Laurie Myers

Laurie Janette Gambill Myers was welcomed into the world on April 10, 1952 – the third of six children born to Robert Wesley Gambill and Charis Janet Lane Gambill. She entered into her heavenly home on Monday, June 23rd, 2025 at the age of 73.

Laurie grew up in Spokane, Washington, attended Spokane schools, and graduated from North Central High School (1970) and Whitworth College (1974). She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, and pursued teaching credentials at Eastern Washington University. Apart from a few years living in northern Idaho, she spent most of her life in the Spokane area.

As a young adult she tried her hand as a street portrait artist (Expo ’74) and also worked a few years as a florist. However, in her professional life she is best known for her longtime work as a staff artist and illustrator for the Spokesman-Review newspaper in Spokane from which she retired in 2000. Her illustrations of famous bands, athletes, political figures and movie stars were both greatly anticipated and highly regarded. Without question she possessed a keen eye for design, color and detail.

In 1986 Laurie married Bill Myers. The two of them spent many years building a beautiful home on Mt. Spokane where Laurie especially enjoyed gardening, flowers and the companionship of her beloved dogs.

Laurie will always be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her love of beautiful things, her eagerness to serve others, her gentle voice, her sweet spirit, and her green thumb. She loved canoeing, music, walking in the woods, and campfires.

Most of all she had a deep love for her Lord and her family. Her faith shown brightly, especially in the way she inspired and taught for many years the kindergartners at Fourth Memorial Church in Spokane. Each child in her class received an original portrait painted by Laurie. Her devotion to her husband was unwavering, as was her commitment to caring for her parents when they became older with significant health challenges.

Sadly, in her later years, Laurie struggled with many dementia-related issues. Through it all, though, she kept her faith, good nature, love of God’s creation, and appreciation for beautiful things and people.

Laurie is survived by her husband of 38 years, Bill; by Bill’s two sons Jeremy and Jess; by her five siblings Robert Gambill, Jr. (Kathy) of Everett WA, Susan Fontana (Michael) of Othello WA, Jill Olson (Steven) of Maple Valley WA, Scott Gambill (June) of Calistoga CA and Leslie Brost (Steven) of Loon Lake WA. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Memorial donations in Laurie’s name may be made to Northview Bible Church, Spokane, Washington.