Gail Louise Trapnell Robertson's Obituary
Gail Louise Trapnell Robertson peacefully passed away due to cancer on March 6, 2024 surrounded by her family and friends. Gail is survived by her husband, Richard, her six children, David Robertson, Julie Hagen (Patrick Bennett), Spencer (Lisa) Robertson, Rachel (Erick) Carlson, Emily Guerrero, and Alden (Veronica) Robertson, 27 grandchildren, as well as her siblings, Fred (Nancy) Trapnell, Marilyn (Dave) Madsen, Marjorie (Gary) Dixon, and Dorothy (Jacob) Martinez. She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Dorothy (nee Watson) Trapnell. Gail was 78.
She was born on August 19, 1945, in San Antonio, Texas. Her family soon moved to Whittier, California and then to Santa Rosa, California. She described her childhood as idyllic and loved to reminisce about the beautiful places where she grew up. After graduating from BYU, she married her sweetheart and brightened his life for 55 years. Gail and Richard were thrilled to have 6 children bring happiness and joy into their lives. They lived in New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Utah.
Gail shared her testimony of her Savior with a strong sense of love and gratitude, and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her church service was a joy to her. She always wanted her children and grandchildren to know that she loved them, and Jesus loved them too. She found happiness in being with children and had a gift for teaching them with creativity and patience.
Friendly with everyone, to Gail no one was a stranger, and everyone she met deserved her attention. In her presence you felt loved, accepted, and uplifted. She never had an unkind word about anyone. Her friends became like family, and her life was enriched by her wonderful siblings and friends. She shared her love of painting, oceans, plants, and flowers with everyone around her, helping them see the beauty she saw in the world every day.
Ever an admirer of God’s beautiful creations, Gail had a particular affinity for scenic coastlines, lighthouses, New England, children, and flowers. She was a talented artist, and loved to portray these scenes in watercolor and oil paintings. Much of her work adorns the walls of friends’ and families’ homes.
Her passions included going on fun adventures with her loved ones, which often involved exploring new beaches and old favorites, driving around the country, antiquing, eating great food, going to Amish country, walking along nature trails, finding treasures at garage sales, and gardening. Wherever she lived, there were sure to be many roses, colorful flower beds, dried flowers, antiques, and other items that make life interesting and beautiful. She preferred the scenic route through life to spend time with friends and family, soak in the beauty, and appreciate nature.
Funeral services will be at the Mapleton Stake Center (970 North 400 East, Mapleton, Utah) on Saturday, March 16th at 11 am. The viewing will be 6-8 pm the evening before and 9:30-10:30 am the morning of the funeral.
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