Gail Marilyn Reason

Gail was born in Oakland, California, the fourth child of John Keith Steele and Neva Kint Steele. Her father died when she was five. The family lived in Oakland during the school year and spent most summers visiting Gail's many uncles and one aunt in Penn Grove, Sonora, and Felton.

At age 13 at a diner near Castlemont High, Gail saw a young man enter and proclaimed to her friends "I'm going to marry him". It seemed Clark Reason was there as a set-up for one of Gail's friends at her booth. A bit of footsie under the table nixed the set-up and courtship proceeded. They eloped (with Gail's mother's approval) and were married in Gardnerville, Nevada on September 6, 1956.

In 1963, seeking a more rural life, Clark and Gail moved to Zayante Road in Felton, one of her summer refuges. They relocated again in 1972 when her Uncle Ernie Kint suffered a stroke. There were now seven children, Clark, Gail, and Ernie living on the family farm. Despite a near-constant workload of domestic responsibilities, Gail claimed it was one of her happiest periods. She loved being a Mom, and she loved that bachelor Uncle Ernie was surrounded by family.

Gail somehow found time to do those extras that good parents do. She volunteered as room mother, helped with 4-H, helped with homework, attended every school event, and made sure her kids got the teacher she wanted. And there were sports; multiple children and grandchildren playing multiple sports nearly year-round. It was a proud moment when Gail was bestowed a lifetime pass by the SLV Boosters for her years of loyal attendance.

Many stories of Gail's amazing life are now part of family lore. There was the time a problem rooster bloodied her son Kent's cheek. A rifle was produced, and Gail insisted on the first shot. Patronizing smiles turned to astonishment when the offending bird was dispatched with a single slug to the noggin. There are other grand stories of the many celebrations and weddings, including the memorable double wedding, held at the Reason Ranch. Fifty years of epic Easter Egg hunts and Egg Toss competitions have been enjoyed by hundreds of relatives and friends.

Clark died in 2005, just shy of their 50th anniversary, and Gail also lost three children and a grandson. Despite these painful losses, Gail carried on with strength and positivity. For 18 years she was the hub of the clan and relished every moment of time spent with family and near-daily visitors. It was a rare day if a card game like cribbage, hearts or old maid didn't ensue.

Virtually everyone from oldest to youngest did what they could to make Gail feel loved and cared for. Her grandson Clay lived at the ranch the past few years. His wit, cheer, and gourmet meals brought her particular joy. Granddaughter Tasha's daily visits and chats were cherished by both.

Gail passed away at Dominican Hospital in the care of kind, skilled nurses. Many family members were able to visit on that last day, and she told each one "I've had a great life and I wouldn't change a thing". Her four children were present at her bedside to comfort their Mom and one another until her peaceful end.

Gail was predeceased by her husband Clark, her daughters Candi and Colleen, her son Kent, and her grandson Doug. She is survived by and will forever live in the memory of her children Keith, Lisa, Chuck, and Donna, twenty grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

Published in Press Banner · June 30, 2023