Gary Lee HNAGHAHNII Benally

Gary Lee HNAGHAHNII Benally obituary

Gary Lee HNAGHAHNII Benally

Gary Benally Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Lemley Chapel on Sep. 17, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Gary Benally, 67, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025, surrounded by family and friends at the family home in Lynnwood, Washington. He was born on May 4, 1958, in Tacoma, Washington, to Jerome Benally and Irene Petty Bailey.

Gary attended Mountlake Terrace High School, graduating in 1976. He later attended Lummi College, where he studied Aquaculture alongside his mother, Petty. In 1980, he began his work in the smokehouse under the guidance of Isadore Tom Sr. on Scott Road in Lummi, WA. Gary was deeply devoted to the smokehouse and the traditions it upheld. He had several Sewoyn sons and daughters, and whenever he was called upon to attend ceremonies, he responded without hesitation he was always there.

Gary had a passion for traveling and competing in stick game tournaments, winning several alongside his family. He cherished attending summer powwows, where he sold his handcrafted beadwork, drums, and stick game sets. Each year, the family made a meaningful journey to New Mexico to honor their Navajo traditions and also traveled annually to Tillicum Village.

He was the best uncle anyone could ask for always present at his nieces' and nephews' sporting events, award ceremonies, graduations, and birthdays. Family meant everything to Gary, and he made it a priority in every aspect of his life. He would go beyond the moon and stars for his loved ones.

Gary and Joe Joe especially enjoyed fishing together on the Skagit River. He was also known for his dedication to his work. His first job was as an auditor for a local business, a role that took him as far as Alaska. In 1992, he began working at the Tulalip Casino, where he remained for over 30 years until his retirement in June 2024. In recognition of his outstanding dedication, he was honored with a Pendleton blanket for not calling in sick for 25 years. His work ethic and presence will be remembered by many.

Gary is survived by his sister, Nancy (Benny) Whitson; his brother Mark (Cassandra) Benally; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and Sewoyn children.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jerome Benally and Irene Petty Bailey; his grandparents, William Bailey and Myrtle Dan, Wallace Benally and Mable Henry, Carl Curtis and Franny Begay; his brothers, Jerry and Jeffery Benally; his niece, Christy Clark; many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Funeral Service for Gary will be held at 10:00, on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Social Services Building at Swinomish. Share your memories of Gary and sign the online guest register.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Lemley Chapel

1008 Third Street, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284

Make a Donation
in Gary Benally's name

How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gary Benally's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Gary Benally's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?