Gail Rector

SIDNEY - Gail Elaine Rector (née Rose) was born in Springfield to William Rose and Patricia Zimmerman Rose. Gail graduated from Lanphier High School in 1969. In 1972, Gail moved with her son, Dominic, to Urbana. While working at Wandell's Tree Nursery in 1975, Gail met Jim Rector, and they fell in love. Gail, Jim, Nick and pets SB and Goliath moved into a small house on Brownfield Road. In 1979, they were married in the parlor at the home of Jim's grandmother, Ruby West of rural Sidney. In 1983, Gail and Jim were blessed with a baby girl, Mary Elizabeth.

Gail later completed an associate degree at Parkland College and was certified as a national mediation and reconciliation practitioner through Indiana State University. Gail took great pride in her work as a mediator.

Gail worked for the Urbana post office for 34 years as a rural mail carrier. She served as the rural letter carriers union steward and delegate to several state and national union conventions. She enjoyed delivering the mail and meeting the people on her route who loved her very much. It gave her great joy to see people excited to receive the letters she brought them.

In 2017, Gail and Jim welcomed their first grandchild, Saskia, with open arms and, in 2019, were blessed with a second granddaughter, Annika. Gail loved spending time with her girls in Oregon, and they loved piling up for naps and snuggles with "Gigi."

Gail loved to paint and draw, was an avid reader and enthusiastic book collector. She was a prolific sender of cards to many friends and relatives year round. Gail practiced tai Chi for many years with master Chungliang Al Huang and traveled to several retreats led by him. 

On Sunday (June 2, 2024), our mother, wife, grandmother and dear friend, Gail Rose, closed her eyes and fell asleep one last time before her next great adventure.

She faced every challenge with courage, determination and a smile. We will miss you always, Gail, Mom, Gigi, Friend. We love you, Gigi.

A celebration of life will be on Sunday, June 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Sidney Community Center, 211 E. Main St., Sidney. Gail's family requests casual attire that Gail would enjoy. If you would like to share a remembrance or photo with Gail's family, please email them to gailrectormemories@gmail.com. Social furry family buddies are welcome.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sidney Community Library at P.O. Box 395, Sidney, IL 61877, or the library of your choice.