Cheryl Ann Gillespie

Cheryl Ann (Barclay) Gillespie

Cheryl Ann (Barclay) Gillespie, a woman of deep faith, song, and service, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the age of 83. She leaves behind a legacy defined by her steadfast love of the Lord, music, and her family.

Born on September 23, 1942, Cheryl dedicated her life to the service of her family. Raising 3 children born across the span of a decade Cheryl was the consummate stay-at-home mom of the 80’s and 90’s. An accomplished seamstress, she would make clothes for her children, ensure they stayed busy, and she participated in as many of their activities as possible, spending hours ferrying them to and from rehearsals and performances, meetings and games.

On August 15, 1964, Cheryl married Alexander “Leck” Barclay, while they were still students at the University of Idaho. Cheryl earned a Bachelor of Science and worked as a medical technologist, first at Sacred Heart Hospital and later at the Spokane Blood Bank and National Health Labs. Together, Cheryl and Leck made their home in Spokane, where they raised their three children: Cathleen, Alex, and Pat. The Barclay home was one filled with singing; Cheryl and Leck were devoted members of the Washington Water Power choir and Manito Presbyterian Chancel choir, sharing a love for music that anchored their family life. Following Leck’s passing from cancer in 1988, Cheryl became active in First Presbyterian Church, joining the choir and continuing to be involved with Pat’s activities until he left home to attend college.

Love found Cheryl again later in life. On March 11, 2000, she married David W. Gillespie. They moved to Cheney, where they spent 25 years building a vibrant life together. Cheryl and David were inseparable partners in their community, active in the Grotto and various ministries, including Thursday Night Live, at First Presbyterian Church. They were often found side-by-side in their garden, tending to the earth and watching things bloom—a perfect metaphor for their marriage. David preceded her in death by just a few months, in August 2025.

Cheryl was a woman of many interests. A proud member of the Eastern Star, she valued the bonds of fellowship and tradition. She was an avid "thrifter," possessing a keen eye for hidden treasures and the history behind them. She was a long standing member of the Spokane Garden Club and won many awards for her flower arrangements. She had a gift for hospitality and loved having family and friends in her home. Above all, Cheryl found peace in the simple things: the quiet of "lake time" with her family, the precision of a well-sung hymn, and the satisfaction of a day arranging flowers or at her sewing machine.

Cheryl’s greatest joy remained her family. She is survived by her children: Cathleen Hobson (born April 18, 1968) husband Brian and Children Benji, Hannah, & Caelan; Alex Barclay (born September 17, 1971) wife Kimmy Meinecke and children Eli and Gabriel; and Pat Barclay (born March 23, 1978) wife Megan, and children Bradley and Elizabeth. Her influence lives on in them and in the many friends who were touched by her hospitality.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Alexander Barclay(‘88); her second husband, David W. Gillespie(‘25); and her parents Alfred (‘08) and Dorothea (‘01).

A celebration of Cheryl’s life will be held at 1:00 pm 1/29/26 at First Presbyterian Church in Spokane, WA with a Graveside Service at 10:00 am 1/30/26 at Fairmount Memorial Park in Spokane, WA. To honor the work that they do, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of Spokane (https://www.hospiceofspokane.org/giving/) and The American Cancer Society (www.donate.cancer.org).