Gail Bingham

Gail Elin Bingham, 68 of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away November 4, 2012, at her home of heart failure and diabetes. Gail was born January 10, 1944, in Maryville, Missouri, to Ray Riley and Erma Stallman Riley. She grew up and attended schools in Hopkins, Missouri, and Lusk, Wyoming. She spent her childhood playing with her six siblings, climbing trees, riding horses, playing baseball, and getting into trouble by painting piglets green. Some of her fondest memories are the big Sunday dinners spent in Missouri with all the cousins, aunts and uncles. On July 2, 1961, Gail married Wendell Lester Hestead in Lusk, Wyoming. During their marriage Wendell worked in Vietnam and Gail followed and brought their three children, Clayton, Shannon, and Dani, to Vietnam. She and the children were in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, and left the country soon thereafter. Wendell was later killed in Vietnam. On July 8, 1969, Gail married Richard Arlen "Digger" Lancaster in Elko, Nevada. They were married for ten years and spent a lot of time with family in Burley, at Palisades on the boat, at stock car races, bowling, playing cards, and being with dear friends. Summers also included spending time with Digger's son, Buddy. Gail loved Buddy as if he was her own. Digger later passed away of heart disease. On March 7, 1980, Gail married Leslie Doyle Bingham in Idaho Falls, Idaho. A wife, mother, and homemaker, they made their home in Idaho Falls, where they raised their children. Gail also worked in advertising sales for the Post Register, and she had a talent for making the most beautiful wind chimes from silverware. Gail was an avid bowler and a certified coach. She was a member of the Idaho Falls Women's Bowling Association and served as President, Vice President, and Director. She taught her own children how to bowl, and taught many other children in the community. She loved to read, drive fast, and listen to loud music. She was one of the Rowdy Riley girls. She'll always be known by the children of Blue Ridge Estates as the candy lady at the bus stop. She was active and involved in her children's lives, whether it was coaching softball, coaching bowling, or being the PTA president, and she was just as involved with her grandchildren's lives. Her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren, Matt, David, Emily, Alex and Megan. She watched her grandchildren dance on their toes, kick soccer balls, perform in musical recitals and plays, and any other thing they were involved in. Her greatest gift to her children and grandchildren is that she loved them and shared her stories with them. Gail is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Leslie Bingham of Idaho Falls, ID; a son, Clayton (Rose) Lancaster of Salinas, CA; two daughters, Shannon (Sean) Schmidt of Idaho Falls, ID, and Dani Spannknebel of Boise, ID; a stepson, Orval “Buddy” Lancaster of Thompson Falls, MT; five grandchildren, Matthew Spannknebel and David Spannknebel of Milwaukee, WI; and Emily Schmidt, Alex Schmidt, and Megan Schmidt, all of Idaho Falls, ID; two brothers, Mike (Marie) Riley of Portland, OR; and Dan (Gloria) Riley of Benicia, CA; and a sister, Lana Riley of Fresno, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Joe Riley, Tim Riley, and Patrick Riley. An informal memorial service to celebrate Gail's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 10, 2012, at Christ Community Church, 5742 South 5th West, Idaho Falls, followed by one of Gail's typical Sunday dinners – including harmonica playing, banjo picking, and barefoot dancing optional. The family will meet with friends from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to the American Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Memorial Services -- Saturday

11:00 a.m. ,Saturday, November 10, 2012 Christ Community Church 5742 South 5th West Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will meet with friends from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.