Gayle Ann Wilde passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, in Boise, shortly before her 84th birthday.

Gayle lived what she loved. She was an educator, a legislator, and a trailblazing force. Fiercely devoted to her family, the State of Idaho, and to acts of service, her life is a testament to her values and dedication. She was an active civic leader in both Boise and McCall.

She could often be seen sporting a festive hat or a splash of red whether she was watching her grandson’s many baseball games, volunteering for the McCall Chamber of Commerce, sipping margaritas in Mexico, hosting a book club or attending functions with her beloved American Association of University Women (AAUW).

She was born Gayle Gregory, on December 20, 1941, in Boise’s St. Luke’s Hospital, to parents George and Marjorie Gregory. She grew up in Boise, was a proud Boise High Brave, and attended Boise State Junior College. She later transferred to UCLA and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Gayle moved to McCall in 1968 for her first teaching position at McCall-Donelly High School. That small town was where her life would change. Sitting on a barstool at the Yacht Club, she met Ralph Wilde. They married September 6, 1969, and welcomed their only child, Anne, the following year. Gayle left teaching and together with her husband, owned and operated the Chevron Oil distribution plant in McCall for over 30 years.

As an Idaho lawmaker, Gayle served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 1986 to 1994, advocating both human rights-based issues and pro-business legislation. Gayle would have preferred warm ocean breezes in Hawaii or Mexico but made Idaho her home and served it well. She was actively involved in AAUW in both McCall and Boise for over 40 years. Upon learning they’d be grandparents, the couple purchased a second home in Boise to be closer to family.

Gayle is survived by her daughter Anne B. Wilde, grandson Morgan E. Baker, brother Steven Gregory, and a circle of cherished cousins and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Ralph E. Wilde, and her parents Marjorie Gregory Nally and George Gregory.

A service to celebrate Gayle’s life and legacy will be held on December 20 at 4 p.m. at the Barber Park Events Center in Boise’s Barber Park. Family and friends are invited to wear something red in her honor. Following the celebration, family and friends are welcome to share a bite, toast to Gayle, and connect with one another.

For those who wish to honor Gayle’s legacy, contributions may be made to the Idaho Community Foundation (ICF), Attn: Gayle Ann Wilde Scholarship (210 W. State St., Boise, ID 83702). The scholarship will support Idaho students committed to strengthening the state’s civic landscape, particularly in the areas of equity and women’s access to healthcare.

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