Gail Ann Cheyney, 77, a longtime resident of Fernwood, Idaho, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A tiny lady with a beautiful heart, a song in her soul, and an unwavering faith in the Lord, Gail lived a life filled with love, devotion, and the simple joys of being surrounded by those she cherished most.

Gail was born on February 11, 1949, in Norfolk, Nebraska, to Frank and Bernetta Lewchuk. She grew up in Norfolk, where she attended school and, at the young age of 15, met a young man named David Cheyney. Their first meeting was quite a story in itself, one perhaps best saved for another day, but it was the beginning of a love that would last a lifetime. The two began dating shortly thereafter and were married on December 31, 1966. Together, they shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

The newlyweds first made their home in Norfolk before David entered the United States Army. His military service took them to several locations, including Fort Lewis, Washington, Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. During those early years, they began raising their family. While stationed in Colorado and expecting their son, David Lynn, Gail was involved in a devastating accident while riding a little Honda 50 motorcycle. The accident forever changed the course of her life, but it never diminished her loving spirit, her devotion to her family, or her faith in the Lord. David Lynn was born in Colorado healthy after her accident.

Following David's honorable discharge from the Army, the family settled in Fullerton, Nebraska, where their daughter, Sherri Layne, was born. Gail devoted her life to being a homemaker and raising her children, a role she embraced with her whole heart. To her family, she was simply the best mother anyone could ever ask for. Her love was constant, her presence comforting, and her family was always her greatest blessing.

On June 23, 1981, Gail and David began a new chapter when they moved their family to property they had purchased near Fernwood, Idaho. It was there they put down lasting roots, creating the home they would share for the remainder of Gail's life.

Gail found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved attending church, singing, and sharing her beautiful faith with those around her. Music was a special part of who she was, and she was rarely far from a song. She also enjoyed collecting cookie jars, a hobby that brought her much delight. Above all else, she loved her family. Whether it was a family gathering, time spent with her children and grandchildren, or simply being home with David, those moments meant everything to her.

Gail wholeheartedly embraced being a "Sami Ann" and took great joy in helping raise grandson Franky Lynn Cheyney. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought immeasurable happiness to her life, and she treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by family.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful parts of Gail's life was the love she shared with David. They were truly inseparable, walking through life's joys and challenges side by side. Through nearly six decades of marriage, their devotion to one another never wavered. Wherever life took them, they faced it together, hand in hand, with a love that stood the test of time.

Gail's faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and carried that love in her heart each day. Though her family will miss her sweet presence, her songs, and the warmth she brought into their lives, they find comfort in knowing that she is now resting peacefully in the arms of her Savior.

Gail is survived by her beloved husband, David Cheyney, at their family home in Fernwood; son, David Lynn (Stacey) Cheyney of Santa, Idaho; daughter, Sherri Layne (Aaron) Shaver of Fernwood, Idaho; siblings, Randy and Roxanne Lewchuk of Norfolk, Nebraska, Valerie Bonney of Verdale, Nebraska, and Quinn and Shari Lewchuk of Iowa. She is also survived by five grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Bernetta Lewchuk, and her grandson, Maliki Cheyney.

At Gail's request, no services will be held.

Though her earthly song has ended, the love she shared and the faith she lived will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew her.