Lyonie Mae Gorsline

Lyonie Mae Gorsline, 84, of Vancouver, Washington, peacefully went to be with her Savior on September 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. A celebration of her life will be held at 10am on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Providence Academy Chapel, 400 East Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660. Lyonie was born to Lewis and Vivienne Sayler on July 16, 1940, in Mason City, WA, near Grand Coulee Dam, where her father worked as an engineer. The family lived in various locations in Washington State, including Bremerton during WW2, where her father worked as an engineer for the Navy, then briefly in Lynden before settling in Bellingham. Lyonie's academic excellence shone through at Roeder Elementary, Whatcom Jr. High School, and Bellingham High School, where she graduated with a remarkable 4.0 GPA. Beyond her studies, Lyonie loved to be on the water under sail, excelled in dance, tennis, and violin, and led her church's youth group. Lyonie had a special place in her heart for 7th and 8th grade students because it was at that tender age that she met and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. After high school, Lyonie pursued her education at Seattle Pacific College (now Seattle Pacific University), graduating with a degree in chemistry. Here, she met the love of her life, Frank Gorsline. They married on September 2, 1960, in Bellingham, Washington. They had three children between 1961 and 1967 and embarked on a journey filled with love, faith, and service. Lyonie's talents as a chemist and medical technologist were evident following graduation, but her calling to serve others led her and Frank to dedicate their lives to missionary work. They spent four transformative years in Brazil, followed by decades of organizing and leading groups to countries throughout South America and Europe. Lyonie's administrative gifts complemented Frank's outreach and leadership, creating a powerful partnership in ministry. Lyonie's sweet and gentle spirit and radiant smile left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She is survived by her three children: Steve Gorsline (wife Janet), Teresa Dauenhauer (husband Kelly), and Deanna Koehler (husband Duane); eight cherished grandchildren: Ryan Gorsline, Molly Gorsline Olds (husband Tyler), Tim Gorsline, Johnny Robertson (wife Grace), Victoria Robertson, Lindsey Koehler, Joshua Koehler, and Joel Koehler; and her brother, Edward Shepherd (wife Carolyn). Memorial Contributions may be made to the Frank and Lyonie Gorsline Scholarship Fund at One Mission Society. Donations can be made online at onemissionsociety.org or by calling 317-888-3333.

Lyonie Mae Gorsline

July 16, 1940 - September 5, 2024