Dorothy Gael “ Windy” Liptak, 85, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, in The Dalles, OR with family at her side.

Gael was born on January 30,1940 in The Dalles, OR to parents George Lytton Close and Dorothy Alta Dickinson Close. The family of three made their home in Kinzua, OR where Gael attended school through eighth grade then continued her education at St. Helen’s Hall in Portland where she was on the honor roll every year.

In June 1958 she married Theodore Putnam and they moved into the house on the Putnam ranch outside of Mayville, OR. They had two children, Michael and Jennifer

In 1972 after divorcing she moved her two small children to Condon where she bought a home and began a new chapter. Shortly after moving to Condon, she met the love of her life Joseph Liptak, marrying in December 1972. She was a devoted and loving wife to Joe until his passing in 1998.

Gael worked at several businesses in Condon, B&C grocery store, Farmers Insurance and Bank of Eastern Oregon where she retired.

In Gael’s earlier years she enjoyed fishing for Steelhead on the John Day River with her dear friend Evelyn McKinney. The two would spend hours enjoying being in nature and spending time together. Travels to the Hawaiian Islands were another love of Gael’s

One of Gael’s great passions was reading, so it was appropriate that she was asked to be a member of the Condon Reading Club for several years. She was a member of the United Church of Christ, served on the Condon City Council and Gilliam County cemetery board.

Gael will be remembered for her witty sense of humor, love of ice cream and her boxed wine that she enjoyed every night. Her sense of humor was there until the end which she shared with her nurses and doctors. Gael decided on a tattoo that would read, “I’ll be right back”

Remaining to cherish Gael’s memory are her daughter Jennifer and partner Tom of Chico, CA, Cousin Bob Wilson of New York and numerous friends in Gilliam and Wheeler County.

She is preceded in death by her husband Joe Liptak, her son Michael, parents George & Dorothy Close, Uncle George & Aunt Dorothy Dickinson and Aunt Bessie Coleman and Cousin George Dickinson.

Memorial donations in Gael’s name can be made to the South Gilliam County Ambulance Fund

In honoring Gael’s wishes no local services are planned.

“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart”

Mahatma Gandhi

Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please leave your condolence messages for the family below.