Gail A. Mark

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Gail A Mark who returned to her Lord and Savior on March 23, 2023.

Gail was a devoted wife, loving mother and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. She served others her whole life.

She was born April 25, 1942, in Okema-Ofuskee Oklahoma to Mildred Anna Riggs Deines with hair so blonde it was white. Many of her happiest younger years were spent with her Aunt Mabel and Uncle Virgil Houghton and cousins Phil and Bob Houghton.

Her childhood was spent in Oklahoma, Colorado and Utah where she gained siblings; Leonard, Delbert (deceased), Pam, Jim, Carl, and Edith.

She met the love of her life, Earl Mark, while baking bread. Anyone who has experienced her bread would understand that our father (much to his benefit) was snared. They were married in August 1962, and later sealed in the Logan, Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Earl and Gail soon started a family which eventually grew to two daughters and five sons; Brent (Laura), Janette (LeRoy), Bryan (Ying-Chen), Kenneth (Bertha), Nathan (RilieAnne), Cheryl (Patrick) and Thomas (Alyson). She is survived by her husband, seven children with their spouses, 24 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren with another three on the way! She is preceded in death by one grandchild.

She would like you to know that her greatest achievement in life is her family. She partnered with Earl for 60 years to raise seven children with very different personalities but all with one common trait, stubbornness. Her children gave her ample opportunity to "turn life's lemons into lemonade". Gail built a home for her husband and children centered on faith, a love of knowledge, hard work and perseverance. Her example of faith and strength in adversity will long be remembered. Her greatest joy was to see her children and their families working and laughing together. Gail had a great sense of humor that shined through even the most challenging times of her life.

She had a testimony of prayer and the scriptures. She believed with God's help she could accomplish anything and overcome everything. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she served as a Relief Society President, Seminary Teacher, Gospel Doctrine Teacher and many others. Most notably, she was a scriptorian. Her favorite hymn is "Count Your Blessings". She would sing it to herself each time her children gave her opportunities to overcome. We heard it quite often even during her final days, she would "count" on her hands reminding us to behave.

She was an artist who did beautiful embroidery, stained glass, quilting, and sewing. She beautified the spaces around her with her artwork and taught her children to enjoy cooking and trying new things. She also enjoyed reading.

Gail was a powerful presence in our lives, and we will miss her dearly.

With love,

Her family