Naomi Gail Counts

Gail’s family eventually migrated to Seattle where they established roots and proceeded to live the American dream. Unfortunately, Gail lost her mother at an early age, so a great amount of her youth was spent mentoring and being the quintessential big sister to her siblings; a task that she embraced wholeheartedly. Gail graduated from Highline High School in 1953.

Her first marriage produced a daughter, Marie, after which she married Joseph Buzar and had three more children (Pamela, Kevin, and Greg). Gail (as she would say) finally hit the jackpot when she married Bob Counts in 1968. They were married until his death in October 1993. She never wavered from her dedication to his love and memory as she never dated or had any interest in another relationship.

Gail was hard working and enjoyed an illustrious and successful career in the aerospace industry, retiring from Boeing after many years of service. Her strong work ethic was instilled in her children as they all enjoyed successful careers.

As hard-working as she was in her career, she was even more dedicated to the success and happiness of every one of her family members. As mentioned above, she was a quasi-surrogate mother to her siblings. That love, care and dedication carried into her adulthood as she diligently worked through the hardships of life to provide for her children and grandchildren and give them the tools they needed for individual success as they set out on their separate journeys in life.

Gail loved country music with a passion and instilled that joy of music in her children. Fond memories of road trips with the AM music blaring country, or evenings watching Hee Haw on the television with Mom singing along are indelible memories that will never be forgotten.

Her siblings were Marge, Lois, Charlotte, Patty, Gary, Don, Eddie, and Jimmy who all preceded her in death, as did her mother and father, as well as her daughter Pamela. She is survived by her brother, Dennis, sister Betty; her sons Kevin and Greg, bonus daughters Mary, Donna, and Sandi; bonus sons, Keith and Beau, daughter Marie, grandsons Justin, Ryan, Jason, and Jeremy; granddaughters Stephani, Amanda, Jennifer and Christina; great granddaughters Sydney, Brook, Emma, and Carleigh; great grandsons Parker and Travis, her dear friend Jackie, and numerous friends, cousins, aunts, nieces, nephews, and uncles.

Gail was 89 years old when she passed at the home of her son on August 13, 2024 after an arduous and valiant battle with cancer. She was able to spend her final weeks at the home of Greg and Mary as she was surrounded by love, family, and familiar faces every minute of the day until she breathed her last breath.

Gail’s warm heart, generosity, and unconditional love will never be forgotten.