Shelley Rae Allemand-Gay Obituary (1975 - 2026)

Shelley Rae Allemand-Gay tragically passed from this earth on January 13th, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was born on April 28, 1975, in Ellensburg, Washington. She was the first of three girls and took her role as big sister to heart from the very beginning. Shelley grew up in Kittitas, within a tight-knit circle of friends who remain close to this day. She attended Kittitas High School and later earned her degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from Green River Community College. This calling led to a long and meaningful career in long-term care. Shelley was a fierce advocate for every person in her care and their families. Her knowledge, compassion, and humor were rare gifts in difficult moments, and she touched countless lives with her empathy and strength. If you had a loved one in need of care, you wanted them in the same facility where Shelley worked. On September 11, 2004, Shelley married Jeff Gay. Together, they made their home in Kittitas to give their children the same small-town childhood that Shelley treasured so deeply. Her greatest joy was being a mother to Chance, Cassidy, and Carli. She never missed a school activity, sports event, or 4-H meeting, always volunteering to help--bringing food, organizing events, or adding her special touch to make things just a little more wonderful. Shelley loved every phase of her children's lives and was endlessly proud of the people they have become, each of them carry her kindness, humor, and big-heartedness. Shelley embraced her role as family matriarch early on, gathering everyone together for dinners, game nights, and family trips. Shelley's big love extended beyond her children to her nieces and nephews, who knew her as "Aunt Shelley Beans" at Easter and "Shelley Claus" at Christmas. Her devotion to family made every holiday magical. She was eager for her next chapter as "Grandma," and though that future was taken from her, her family finds comfort in knowing she would have been the best there ever was. An animal lover through and through, Shelley often turned their home into a small farm. She had a special fondness for birds, incubating and hatching many chicks and ducklings. The garage frequently became a makeshift barn for any weak piglet or underweight goat that needed care. Shelley never hesitated to park outside if it meant saving an animal. She gave her children every pet they wished for, creating countless stories and memories along the way. Shelley had a big personality that could fill any room. She loved to entertain, to sing, to dance, and to laugh. She made life brighter, funnier, and more memorable for every person lucky enough to know her. The outpouring of love from her family, friends, coworkers, and community has been overwhelming, and the goodness Shelley shared so freely came back to support and carry her family during this heartbreaking time. Shelley is survived by her beloved family: Jeff Gay, Chance & Nichole Allemand, Cassidy Gay, and Carli Jo Gay; her proud parents, Vern and Connie Allemand, and Elaine and Roy Bliss; her devoted sisters, Jessie (Casey) Raab and Stephanie (Jeremiah) Bollinger; and her cherished nieces and nephews, Mason, Lainey, Wyatt, Lane, Camdon, Addison, Chesney, Paxton, Leyton, and Briella. She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends, coworkers, and a few loyal dogs who filled her life with joy. Shelley's legacy is one of love, laughter, compassion, and strength. She made the world a better, kinder, and more joyful place--and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. We believe she is dancing in heaven. #LoveLikeShelley Please join us to celebrate Shelley's incredible life on February 1st, 2026 at the Teanaway Hall at the Fairgrounds in Ellensburg from 2-5:00 pm.