Annette J. Gilmer

Annette Joan Bailey Gilmer of Cashmere passed away on December 29, 2015. Annette was born in Bell, California on October 14, 1936. She fondly remembered her life as a “Navy Brat” living in San Diego, Maryland, West Virginia, Whidbey Island,and San Carlos. Annette graduated from Sequoia high school in Redwood City, California and married Richard Gilmer on December 19, 1958 in San Francisco. The couple moved to Cashmere in 1965 when Rich took a job at Liberty Orchards. They loved living and raising their girls in a small town and Annette was a devoted community leader. She was the Girl Scout leader for many years, taking groups of girls camping, snowshoeing, and hiking. She was a strong believer in women having the same opportunities as men and she helped to instill this attitude in the young women she worked with. She also faithfully served St. Anne’s Guild, helped to start the Christmas Bazaar and volunteered for many activities throughout the years at her beloved church, St. James Episcopal. Annette was also an active member of Children’s Orthopedic Guild, League of Women Voters, and Questers Historical group. She loved being involved with Rotary and became the President in 2004 as well as Rotarian of the year in 2005. She enjoyed hosting young people from around the world. She also chaired Cashmere’s Centennial committee and was a visionary for promoting the idea of the the Riverside Community Park. In addition, Annette spearheaded a major effort to designate and protect Cottage Avenue as a Historical District. She spent many hours researching the special architecture that was part of Cashmere’s history. She worked tirelessly with the the Washington State Historical Society in Seattle to earn the designation and helped homeowners to learn the history of their Craftsman homes. Through her volunteer work at the Chelan County Museum, she helped to organize a historical walking tour of Cashmere and was honored by the museum in 2009. Annette also served at the museum for many years as a coordinator of the Founder’s Day Tea with her friend Joyce Dronen. In addition to her many civic projects, Annette was a successful business woman and co-owner of Crossroads Travel with her husband Rich. The couple loved helping others to plan trips and special honeymoons as well as providing travel for the Apple Commission. With her adventuresome spirit, Annette travelled to many places in the world with her family, friends from Cashmere and lifelong friends Dick and Diane Kahler. Prior to having her own business, Annette also worked in sales at People’s department store. Annette had many interests but was most passionate about her family which includes her daughters Dana, Kelly and Val, sons in law Tom, James and Mike and her grandchildren Sierra, Savannah, Tess, Rutger and Sophie. She is also survived by her brother Ken and his wife Linda and her brother in law Rob Gilmer. Annette also loved to garden, travel, sew, watch old movies and was a loyal Cashmere Bulldog fan. She was known for taking loads of girls in her station wagon to Lake Chelan, for her sense of humor and fun and for feeding her famous tacos to many. Her family wishes to thank all those in the town of Cashmere who helped Annette as she struggled with Alzheimer's. Your kindness will always be remembered. We hope that you will be able to join us for a celebration of her life in June. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

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Annette J. Gilmer

October 14, 1936 - December 29, 2015