Lillian Gail Van Vessen

She was born on August 23, 1933 in Pilot Plank, Texas. She moved to Fairborn, Ohio in 1933. She graduated from Fairborn High School in 1951. She attended the University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio until entering the Marines.

Gail served in the United States Marines from 1952-1956. She served with the Marine reserves from 1956-1960. She was an active duty member and received the medal of good conduct; she served over in Hawaii for about two years then was honorably discharged. She worked for and retired from the Social Security Administration. She was a member of International Toastmistress Club for many years. Up until her death she was a Professional Registered Parliamentarian. She was a very active member of the Western Hills Christian Church.

Gail enjoyed reading books, Star Trek, traveling, sports, collecting coffee mugs, babysitting pets of all kinds, painting, and stamp collecting.

Survivors include one niece; Terry Wierzbach, wife of Greg Wierzbach; two great nieces; Melissa Bomar, wife of Dillon Bomar, Meagan King, wife of Nick King; two great nephews; Chris Wierzbach and Zach Wierzbach; two great great nieces Lorelei Bomar, daughter of Melissa and Dillon Bomar, and Mackenzie King, daughter of Meagan and Nick King; and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother Marguerite Reynolds, her maternal grandparents Clarance and Lillian Van Vessen, and an Uncle Frank Reynolds

Gail was the most unselfish person any one could have ever met. She always put everyone else first. She didn’t believe in having acquaintances, she believed in having friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Western Hills Christian Church in Gail’s name. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Monday March 26, 2012 at Western Hills Christian Church, 8535 Huebner Rd. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors.