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Gail Stapert Obituary
Gail Antoinette Stapert, 85, of Goode, Virginia, departed this life peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024, with her family by her side. She was the cherished wife of the late Charles Edward Stapert and daughter of the late William and Mildred Schaefer. Gail was also preceded in death by her brother, William Andrew Schaefer.
Gail was born on June 21, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Taft High School and Cornell College, where she was a member of the Alpha Sigma Pi sorority. She enjoyed teaching elementary art and later working in human resources, but her greatest joy came from being a mother and grandmother.
Gail had a zest for life that was reflected in her many interests. She enjoyed swimming, yoga, and walks with treasured friends and dogs. More recently, she participated in the Rock Steady Boxing program, designed for individuals with Parkinson's Disease. Gail was also an avid traveler, visiting all 50 states and numerous countries. She lived adventurously, trying skydiving, interacting with elephants in Thailand, and riding roller coasters – even braving the tallest one in the world. Her competitive spirit shone through in her love of card games and bowling. Gail deeply appreciated art and beauty, delighting in painting and watching nature from her porch.
Gail was known for her fun, kindhearted, and easygoing personality. She loved animals, valued her friendships and took great pleasure in hosting Sunday dinners with family. As a member of Blue Ridge Community Church, she deepened her faith and found a close circle of dear friends.
Gail is survived by her children, Ronald Kleinsmith, Jr., John Kleinsmith (Sandra Porter), and Deborah Hendrickson (Gary Morris); grandchildren, Natalie and John Hendrickson; sister, Jane Behnke; stepsons, Keith Snowden (Janell) and Darrin Stapert (Sharon); step-grandsons, Joshua Snowden (Tessa), Jacob and David Stapert; and many nieces and nephews, to whom she was a favorite aunt.
A celebration of Gail's life will be held on November 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Blue Ridge Community Church in Forest, VA. In honor of Gail, please consider donating to:
YMCA of Central Virginia Attn: Rock Steady Boxing-Parkinson's Program, 1309 Church Street Lynchburg, VA 24504.
Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory
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Sponsored by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory - Lynchburg.
2 Entries
Vanessa Calloway
November 12, 2024
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.I send my condolences to Gail´s family.She was a lovely lady.I enjoyed being her caregiver.I will miss her a lot and I know you all will too.In the days ahead sweet I hope all of you to smile at the memories you have of her to help overcome some of your grief.
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