Gail Janine Williams, age 58 of Helena, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana of natural causes. She was born to Gordon M. and Doris B. (Olson) Axel in Spokane, Washington on February 26, 1954.
After graduating from Rogers High School in Washington, she met the love of her life, Robert A. Williams and they were married in Spokane on September 28, 1973. She worked with the Special Education Program in Riverside, WA; CVS Pharmacy and 360 Office Solutions in Helena.
Gail always enjoyed many activities with her friends and family. She appreciated photography, was a music lover, hunting for rocks, fossils and minerals, camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors while traveling with her family. Gail loved to be in the kitchen baking her apple pies and canning jams. She touched many lives in Helena and relished over a good cup of coffee with her girlfriends. Gail always appreciated the local artists and musicians while attending their activities. But most of all, Gail was a very dedicated wife and mother and loved spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Doris Axel.
Gail is survived by her husband of 39 years, Robert A. Williams of Helena; her children, Derek (Veronica) Williams of Kennewick, WA, Brant (Jessica) Williams of Fort Bridger, WY, and Jared Williams of Bozeman, MT. She is also survived by her siblings, Jim Axel of Spokane, WA, and Kim Clark of Chattaroy, WA; and her grandchild, Moses Williams.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Retz Funeral Home. The family invites you to a social gathering following the service at the banquet hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A celebration of life will be held at the Country Homes Christian Church, 8415 N. Wall in Spokane, WA at 12 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2013 with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Gail’s name to the Cancer Treatment Center, 2475 Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601, Alzheimer’s Association, 3010 11th Ave. N., Billings, MT 59101 or to an organization of donor’s choice. To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Gail, please visit below.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 23, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 East Sixth Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday February 23, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Fuenral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of Life
12:00 p.m.
Saturday March 2, 2013
Country Homes Christian Church
8415 N. Wall
Spokane, Washington 99208
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday March 2, 2013
Country Homes Christian Church
8415 N. Wall
Spokane, Washington 99208
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 23, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 East Sixth Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday February 23, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Fuenral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of Life
12:00 p.m.
Saturday March 2, 2013
Country Homes Christian Church
8415 N. Wall
Spokane, Washington 99208
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday March 2, 2013
Country Homes Christian Church
8415 N. Wall
Spokane, Washington 99208
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Preslie Rose Smith says
Gail was a really good friend of my moms I barely eveing new her but she still was amazing ,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!i will never forget about her and her pretty blond hair!!!last night I was so sad I cried I will keep my prairs in my heart!
Shannon Coates-Smith says
Mrs. Gail… Just the other day we were talking about how the sun shine made us feel so good and how we really were desperate for more, then this morning when I awoke and thought about how sad I was to know that you weren’t going to be at work to see and talk to, a sense of comfort come to me because the sun was shining and it was so warm and beautiful out. Thank you for that! You were such a good person and I am so thankful that we become friends. So many conversations about so much…Your family and mine, our heartaches and happiness, our jokes and laughter and our faith and our solutions. I do know that you are in a wonderful place and I will someday see you there.
Love you and miss you Gail.
Shannon
deb stansberry says
Gail was an amazing woman. I will always remember her beautiful smile and twinkling eyes. She had a huge heart, and loved everyone. She was a fantastic mom and wife.
And she was a wonderful friend, always so full of life and always always there. You will be deeply missed my dear friend. I know that one day I will see you again but until then I will see you in every sunrise, sunset, snow capped mountain, beautiful stream, and sunny day. To Robert and the boys, I cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of your mom and wife. She is in a peaceful place now. And she will always be remembered. She was very proud of all of you.
Love and miss you terribly Gail,
Deb
Mickey Gregory says
My sweet Gail,
Wow how I miss you and knowing that I wont get to see your beautiful smile until we meet again, well its a heart break. Gail was a beautiful, loving, caring and giving person to her family and friends. I remember when we first met, she was so cranky and mean to me, but I wouldnt give up on her. Soon we were best friends and couldnt seem to get enough of spending time together. She tought me the true love of outdoors, we belly danced together, loved just playing in a park together, those are just a few things. Gail was like a grandmother to my kids and a sister as well as a best friend to me. She would ask me all the time ( Mickey why do you put up with me? How could I still be your best friend? ) Well my answer was always the same ( Gail I love and adore you no matter what. ) Then we would laugh and sometimes cry.
I found my lovely perfume lotion the other day and put it on so I could feel closer to you. Lovely was just one of the things we both shared and loved along with angels and fairies and STARBUCKS coffee ,,yup we were both hooked on all of them.
There are so many memories and wonderful things I could share but for now I will just stop and say good bye for now until we meet again.
Robert and the family I am so deeply sorry for your huge loss, I pray comfort and peace for all of you.
Love and adore you Gail
Mickey
Jenine Johnson says
I knew Gail as a customer at her workplace. She was one of the first people I met there. We quickly learned my first name was her middle name – one of the many things I loved about her. Our world is a better place because Gail gave us her beautiful smile and easy friendship. She will be truly missed. My condolences to her family and friends.
Carol Henry says
I met Gail about three years ago through a belly dance experience. My first impression of her was that she was so frail, beautiful and very kind. As the years progressed we got closer and made a habit of seeing each other even though she lived quite a ways out if town. We would try a different coffee shop each time. I just saw her last Wednesday for coffee and to give her an early birthday gift. We had a blast talking when a band started up and we of course listened to some music and enjoy a microbrew. I will never forget the last goodbye. I will miss you very much, Gail. Condolences to your husband and children. She was the jewel in the lotus.
Lee Cook says
I didn’t know Gail well. She was a best friend to my wife, Linda, so really the only time I was around her was with my wife. I’d see her occasionally at Pop’s when I’d stop in for office supplies. Gail was truly a gem, so real, so friendly, with a smile that would melt ice. She was such a nice, nice person, it was a joy to be around her. I remember when she was into making jewelry, especially the pieces she made from porcupine quills. When I asked Linda where she gets the porcupine quills and Linda said she picks up roadkill, I was just shocked that someone like Gail would go to that extreme. But she did, and the jewelry she made was so exquisite. Gail had a way of making whoever she was talking to feel that they were the most important person in the world, and that she was totally focused on what they were saying. I’ll miss her. She was great friend, and a kind, loving, sensitive, caring person.
Linda Cook says
Gail you are a ray of SUNSHINE! You have the biggest heart. I feel your presence everywhere I go. I will look to the stars at night and see you shining down on us! Gail you made me feel so welcome when I moved to Helena. I will miss our wonderful get togethers, your smile and twinkling eyes your wonderful stories. Gail you taught me so much with your caring spirit, in good and bad times you still cared. I had an amazing hike today and the beauty was all around you would have really loved it. I will remember you always by a creek with your feet in it. You will be everyones gaurdian angel. I know you are in heaven with your family and friends watching over us. You were such a wonderful Mom, Grandma and Wife. Your photography was beautiful and your jewely unique. Miss Ya and Love You! Hugs, Hugs, Hugs, Always, Linda
Jenny Axel-Three Stars says
My mom always said how much alike my aunt Gail and I were personality-wise, and that couldn’t be a better compliment to have. I have so many memories of her and I will cherish those forever. To Uncle Robert, Derek, Brant and Jared…I’m thinking of you all so much right now and sending all my love.
Jen
Leona Zaharko says
Robert, Derek, Brant and Jared – how can I possibly tell you how much I loved and cared for Gail. She was (is) the best friend I ever had. She was a loving, caring, tallented person with a smile that could melt an iceberg. Who will make my jewelry now? Who will help me plant my garden and put up the fence (which she loved to do)? Who will stop out at any time to visit with Hank and I. Hank knew when she would drive up. He would get up in the front window and his tail would be wagging a 100 miles/hour. We had ESP in phone calls – both ways. I so loved our long chats about everything and nothing. She should have been Mother of the Year many years running cause she was so proud of all three of you boys. She loved cooking and baking for you when you were home. Every time I look up in the sky now I will see Gail and my son, Marc. I hope you two get to meet cause you are the dearest people in the world to me. I love and miss you so much, Gail. Why you???? Love and hugs forever – Leona
Nancy Williams says
For so many years the Williams Family Reunion has been held on Aunt Joan’s beach at Loon Lake, WA, and it was always such a treat to know Gail and Robert had come from Montana to share in the great food and wonderful family stories. I am a happy recipient of a pair of Gail’s unique porcupine earrings and I love telling the story about her ‘road kill’ jewelry! Thomas and I will miss Gail’s presence so much. God bless you Robert and your family, and know our thoughts are with you. Nancy
Brittany Pearson says
Its so hard to find the words to write. I worked with Gail for a short period of time, and she always had a bright presence when we worked together. She could make me feel happy and put a smile on my face even on the worst days. She was such a creative and beautiful woman! I loved her porcupine jewelery! now when I wear them I will remember her. My prayers and sympathy go with her friends and her family. I just know that where ever she is, she is rocking a bright summers dress. Love and miss ya girl
Mandy Wels says
I will miss your beautiful smiling face and your kind heart. You were good to my family and great support. I really wish i could have said goodbye to you and hug you one last time. Rest In Peace Sweet Gail.
Sheri Axel/Williams says
I, of course, am crying as I am writing this. Gail and I were friends and confidants from such an early age. We shared things with each other that to this day our husbands still know nothing about. Duh!!! We could make each other laugh so hard it could turn to tears. Then we,d take a breather and start all over again.
I will never hear the song ‘Paint it Black’ or ‘It’s The Time of the Season” and not think of her. We could spend hours with our music and created so many memories from those times. Whether it was in our homes, out camping, or just riding around being cool!
I could go on for a long time, but I think we all know just how special she was and always will be in my heart and memories. Love you Gail
GARY PENNOYER says
I MET GAIL THROUGH A MUTUAL FRIEND. SHE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON AND SO PROUD OF HER FAMILY. AND WHAT A SMILE. SHE WAS ALWAYS REMINDING ME TO BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR PORCUPINE ROAD KILL SO SHE COULD GET THE QUILLS TO MAKE HER EARINGS AND JEWERLY. YOU WILL BE MISSED GAIL.. REST IN PEACE AND GOD BLESS….
Shylah says
Gail,
You will be missed by many! Your lovely smile and your gentle nature always made my day! Working with you made the crazy days better! I’ll miss our little chats and giggling over the silly things we do! Thank you for all the times you listened to me with an open mind and a patient ear. When I needed a friend you were there, and I will never forget the things you’ve taught me about life. You are the sunshine, you are the sky. You are the night, you are the stars. You are the streams and you are the mountains! Bask in all the beautiful things you once admired, because now you are a part of it all! Goodbye sweet Gail, live on in peace.
Doug Zibell says
Hi Robert & Boys:
We were so sorry to hear of Gail’s passing. She was a neat lady. I am sorry that we didn’t get the chance to spend more time with your family. I so enjoyed becoming reacquainted with you Robert and Gail at Luealla’s memorial service a couple of years ago. We are so sorry for your loss, will do our best to attend the memorial service in Spokane with my Mom and Dad. Your family is in our prayers. The Zibell’s!
Frank Cross says
I saw Gail about 15 times over the last 3 years. Each time, Gail greeted me with a smile and something positive to say. I can see and read what a positive influence Gail created for her family and friends – she did the same for customers and fellow employees as well. The 360 Office Solutions family will miss Gail. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Sincerely,
Frank Cross
Chairman
360 Office Solutions
Carol Kirkland says
All you need to know about Gail is that beautiful smile. Her sparkly blue eyes that crinkled when she smiled lit up the room. And behind those eyes and that smile was a heart and soul beyond compare. When she gave, there was nothing held back. Still cannot believe she left us too soon and so suddenly. Hers was a life well lived, and ours will be all the sadder and emptier without her. Peace, love, and hugs, dear friend. I will miss you.
JoAnn Longmire says
I only knew Gail for a short time but she was a lovely lady. She made some lovely earring, which I still have a pair of. She will be missed by so many people. My sincere condolences for her family. God Bless.
Ralph Kuney says
I had the great privilege to have Gail as one of my valued employees. Listening to her talk to our customers as if they were the only thing that mattered, at that moment, is a trait I admired most about Gail. Her calm voice and caring nature made each day brighter. I will miss the little knock on my door each morning saying “Excuse me Ralph, do you have just a moment?”. Gail, you will be truly missed by myself and your extended 360 family. You have touched our hearts and will always part of our lives. Peace be with you!
Pam Kuster says
My prayers are with Gail’s family. She was such a special person and will be missed so much. I’m so thankful she came into my life and she will be remember with much fondness and love.
Jared Williams says
Mom loved everyone she met. I know her friends meant a lot to her. My heart goes out to everyone who was affected by her. We all lost a special woman.
Lisa Kuntz says
My gentle friend Gail,
I so enjoyed working with you for the time that we had. I will hold on to those memories forever. You were always so positive and upbeat. And your laugh was contagious. I still have the card you gave me showing your support when you knew I was having a tough time. I will treasure it always as you shared one of your amazing photos with me and a note of inspiration inside. You signed it “your friend Gail” and I am so blessed that you were (are) my friend. God bless you Gail and know that you left a lasting impression on my heart.
Les Boian says
Bob, my condolences to you and your family on the loss of Gail in lives. May the wonderful memories sustain you during the days to come. Though I never had the priviledge of meeting her, I knew from the way you spoke of her that she was a important part of our life. You will be in my prayers in the days to come that the peace of the Lord will be with you.
Linda Rosin says
Gail, I am so privileged to have known you and to have worked with you. I wil miss your smile, and yes, your beautiful blond hair. We had some good laughs whenever I was in Helena. To your family – my thoughts and prayers are with you, and I know the memories of Gail will never fade from your hearts. May God lay his healing hand upon each one of you.
Randy Mehling says
While searching through my email the other day I ran across the email you sent me asking how I was doing after my heart troubles in the hospital. Sadly, I cannot repay that favor. Nor could I always keep your printers working. But one thing we always accomplished when you called was to figure out how to smile at our situations, and how to find something good in the world to laugh about. I will miss you, my Friend. I am sure that in Heaven there are no printers. Rest in Peace and in God’s Love.
Jim Liedle says
I will miss you so much and I will always hold on to the awesome memories we had. I love you, dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Williams’ family.
colleen smith says
Only knew Gail for a short time. Such a beautiful lady.
She will be missed by all .
Later Gail……….
Lennis Ryan says
Her quiet smile and gentle presence will be missed by all who knew her. Prayers of comfort and healing to all those who feel her loss.
Steve Weagant says
My wife, Patricia, and I have been friends with Bob and Gail since Bob and I started our careers in FDA some 38 years ago. Although over the years we’ve been separated at times by a lot of miles, we have remained close. Gail was a very special person to me. When I think of her, two things really stand out. When she was a young wife just starting her own family she also ran a daycare. She took care of her own boys as well as a number of other toddlers. I was so impressed with the kindness and tenderness she gave in caring for all the children in her charge. She was so valued by the parents that they would plan their vacations around the Williams family so that they didn’t have to entrust their children to anyone else.
They say that if you want to really know what a person is really like, go camping with them. We’ve camped many times with Bob and Gail and their sons and not always under ideal conditions. Gail was always a happy camper and ever so tolerant to go along with the adventures Bob and I cooked up. One of those adventures involved retrieving an elk that I shot in a canyon far from the road in a foot of new snow. Gail volunteered to go along with our troop on a trip that ended up in a moon-lit hike that lasted to about 1 AM. She, of course was cheerful throughout. I will miss her terribly and my heart aches for Bob and his three sons, Derek, Brant and Jared.
Lindi Rusek says
Gail was an amazing woman. I didn’t know her well but she often stopped into CVS and always had a smile on her face and was so friendly. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Clara and Jim Davis says
Our hearts are very sad to feel the loss of Gail. She was a very special person and we loved her so much. As part of The FDA family, we have a special bond that binds us together. We have enjoyed many visits at your home in Helena. It was always fun to spend time with the Williams. We will always remember the trip to the restaurant up the mountain trail. I too treasure a pair of porcupine quill earrings and loved the stories Gail told about finding the quills on the road. Let tears be your friend. Grief is like a bucket filling with water. It overflows. My theory is cry in the shower each morning. Empty the tear bucket each morning. You will then make it though most of the day. Also, crying is very masculine. I treasure the memory of Jim crying openly during my brother Darrell’s funeral. (He was killed in a car accident in 2003). Don’t stay home till you feel better. You will feel less grief for an amount of time each day. We love you so much and would consider it an honor to spend time with you. Our home will always be open for you and we will welcome you with open arms. Clara and Jim Davis.
Diane & Jerry Barker says
We met Gail through our mutual friend Leona. Gail was a joy to be around. We enjoyed some time with her and Leona when we would come to Helena. Gail also made beautiful earrings. She was a talented lady. Our condolences go out to her husband and the family.
Leona Zaharko says
Robert, Derek, Brandt and Jared – how can I ever THANK YOU for sharing this wonderful, beautiful, caring person with me. I thought perhaps today would bring some kind of closure to my grief – but all it did was make me totally aware that she is really now that bright shining star in heaven (the ones she loved so much). Please keep in touch with me as I care about all of you. Love always, Leona
Carol Huston says
I knew Gail from the days she worked at the Pharmacy. She was alway so pleasant and happy, a real pleasure to work with. She will be very much missed by many whose lives she has touched. My sympathy to her family and friends at this time of loss.
Gayle Piocos says
My prayers and heart go out to those Gail left behind. She added beauty and joy to each day when you spoke with her. She fun and out going. Her beauty lives on in her jewelry creations and in her home and family. Gail, we miss you.
Doug Zibell says
Hi Robert:
I wanted to let you know that my family and I enjoyed the memorial service for Gail. There just isn’t words to describe the loss of a loved one and I won’t even try. I enjoyed getting to know your sons even if it was for just a few minutes. I am so glad that you had a memorial service for those of us on this side of the Rockies. It was wonderful to see Jim Axel, Steve & Sheri and to meet their kids. My dad has always held you, Robert in very high regard, I hope you know that. Two years ago, I talked my dad in to letting me video tape him concerning having him talk about his life, growing up on the farm and telling stories about his life, some of which that I had heard and many that I had not. I then had him talk for almost 3 hours of his hunting and fishing stories and he had a lot of them. We tend to forget some of the memories that we have had of a loved one that has passed. Dad wishes so much that he could go on one last elk hunting trip to Montana. My point in telling you all of this is that now more than ever, your family will mean so much to you. I am sorry that I didn’t get around to making that trip to Montana to spend time with you and Gail. She was a wonderful woman and your relationship was special. I pray that God gives you an extra touch of His grace these next few weeks and months. Doug/Diana Zibell
Christine Phelps (Maiden name Hogue) says
I just learned today (March 4) of the passing of my childhood friend. Gail and I were best friends in the 6th grade, Mr. Garrett’s class, at Arlington Elementary in Spokane, WA. I remember how I loved her long blond hair! Gail also had a beautiful singing voice. We actually sang together at a PTA meeting once at school. There were several performances from different students, and Gail and I sang “Home on the Range” – she did the harmony part. Several times our music teacher asked Gail to sing a solo, while the whole class sang the chorus. I remember going out to play after lunch, and Gail and I always played tetherball. After school, we’d walk home together as far as we could until we had to go our separate ways. Imagine our surprise one day when we discovered we had the exact same birth date (2/26/1954)! Somehow our paths never crossed throughout Junior High and High School and we lost contact. I’ve often thought about Gail through the years, and several months ago actually tried to see if she was on Facebook but didn’t have any luck. I will never forget Gail’s sweet and gentle spirit and wish we could have connected once again. It’s amazing to see how much we still had in common…..photography, music, hiking, a deep love and appreciation of the outdoors. Thank you, Gail, for being my friend so long ago. You made a difference in my life, even back then. I will add your name to my prayer list for those who have passed on, and it will be a joyous reunion when we meet again!
Brian Hendrickson says
Dear Bob – I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your wife, Gail. My condolences to you and your family.
Carol Henry says
Hi Gail. Here it is August 3, 2013, and I started thinking about you again. What is the connection for this day? I miss you so much and want to give you those big hugs we ended with our conversations. Some day I will see you again in fact a journey I went on, you were swimming in the lake with a friendly cougar. What is the connection? Some day we will know. I love and miss you so much. Blessings my friend and sis, Carol Henry