Gary Lee Zentzis

Gary Lee Zentzis passed away peacefully at his home on June 16, 2025. He was born August 13, 1943 to Dale Zentzis and Mary Edwards Zentzis in Tekoa, Washington. The family lived in Tekoa through Gary’s 5th grade year, and then moved to Spokane Valley, Washington where he attended Seth Woodard School and Millwood school. He attended West Valley High School where he graduated in 1961. After high school, Gary attended Spokane Technical School which changed to Spokane Community College. While at SCC, Gary attended six weeks training at General Motors in Tigard, Oregon. In 1963, Gary was one of the first graduates of Spokane Community College. He then relocated to Pullman, Washington where he worked for Brown and Holter Chevrolet, starting as a mechanic and working his way up to Service Manager.

He met Sharon Smith in 1975 and they married on January 10, 1976. Gary then took a position at Wheatland Marina in Colfax, Washington but later returned to Pullman to work at Scourey Auto Parts as a machinist. In February of 1985 Gary began his illustrious career at WSU as a mechanic at the Motor Pool, later being promoted to Lead Mechanic and then to Mechanic Supervisor. He remained in that position until his retirement in August of 2008.

 Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love for his family knew no bounds. He will be remembered fondly by his family for his quiet humor, love of fishing, Pepsi, and knowledge and love of cars, especially his Chevrolets. He was a member of the “Only the Best Club” of Chevrolet Retail Services Management and a former member of the Elk’s Club. He enjoyed attending the sporting events of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted fan of the Gonzaga Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams, as well as Cougar football. He will be greatly missed by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon, children Michael Smith (Lynda), of Spokane, Shelli Harder of Spokane, Kelli Olson (Dan) of Des Moines, WA, four granddaughters Kadie (Rob), Kayla (Chris), Kelsey (Seth), and Karissa (Carlo), three grandsons Connor (Cait), Caine (Kristine), and Keenan, as well as four great grandchildren, Everett, Teagan, Archer and Lincoln. He is also survived by his brother Dale Zentzis of Spokane and sister-in-law Shirley Hornbaker of Kennewick. Heritage Funeral is in charge of the arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 28, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Pines Cemetery Mausoleum, 12116 E. 16th Ave., Spokane Valley, Washington, 99206. Dessert and beverages will be served following the celebration. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s honor to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center,1100 Fairview Ave. N., Mail Stop LG-400, Seattle, WA 98109