Letha Mae Gaines To know Letha Gaines was to befriend a wife, a parent, and a grandparent. "Lee" lived for her family, leaving a rich legacy of love and memories as she passed January 13, 2021 at the age of 92. Born in Kennewick, Washington, April 22, 1928, Letha was the only child of Joseph and Amzel Allen. The Allen family lived in the Tri-Cities area and then moved to Spokane where she graduated high school and started her career with the Sears Roebuck Corporation (1947-1990). She loved her work and helping people. At Sears, Letha met the man who became her life love and partner, Howard Dowell Gaines. They married May 4, 1947 and carried on an almost 68 year love affair. Howard passed February 28, 2015. The couple had two sons together, James (Jim), wife Susan and Allen (Al) wife Teresa who survive them both and gave them four grandchildren and multiple great-grandchildren. Howard and Lee lived together in Washington State between Spokane, Yakima and Kennewick. In spring of 2020, she relocated to Sun City West, Arizona. Lee enjoyed walking most mornings, crossword puzzles, and good cooking for her family. She always made room at her table and enough for all to be welcome. She was a soft-spoken woman who never used profanity nor defamed others in her conversation. One could always count on her to be gracious, kind and encouraging with a great sense of humor. We, her family, miss her deeply and cherish the wonderful life she shared with us. We're proud to be her children and grandchildren... And all wish very much that we had just one more Sunday dinner together.