Gail Kay Geer

Gail Kay (Borup) Geer peacefully passed away on July 8, 2016 after a 5-year battle with cancer, surrounded by many of her loved ones. Gail was born to Lee Borup and Geraldine (Baker) Lage on June 18, 1945 in Portland, Oregon and was raised in Richland and Kennewick, Washington. She was an active and curious child, who loved music and dancing. Gail was involved in many clubs in high school and was a national honor society student and song leader. She graduated from Kennewick High School in 1963, received an AA from Cerritos College and attended San Diego State University. It was in San Diego that Gail met her husband, Bill, in the fall of 1966. They were married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on August 23, 1967. She was a phenomenal seamstress who sewed many of her own clothes, including her wedding dress, and later many outfits, costumes, formal dresses and even doll clothes for her children. Bill and Gail were best friends, the loves of each other’s lives and are eternal companions. Together they raised seven children – six daughters and one son – who they loved deeply and who understand the distinct privilege of having such wonderful parents. Gail worked in many positions throughout her life, primarily in administrative roles, including in the San Diego Mayor’s Office, the San Diego County Department of Education, the LDS Bishops Storehouse in Maryland, and as the Managing Editor of Jurimetrics, The Journal of Law, Science, and Technology, published out of the ASU College of Law. Gail felt particularly proud of the work she did transcribing the stories of holocaust victims for the National Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. Gail was an active member of the LDS Church and served in many callings throughout her life, including as president of women’s, youth, and children’s organizations, Sunday School teacher, nursery leader, and as a family history consultant. Gail loved family history work and was diligent in finding her ancestors. One of Gail’s most treasured experiences was working for two years in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. Gail served diligently in each calling, but the callings she most valued and to which she devoted the most energy were those of wife, mother, and grandmother. Gail felt tremendous joy in caring for, being with and teaching her family. She was proud of her children and grandchildren and spoke often of them to her friends and extended family. Gail’s humility caused her to live quietly and allow others to shine, but her own radiance was obvious to all who knew her. Always a strong and faithful woman, her strength and faith increased in the years after her dear Bill’s death in 2000. Her optimism and joy were an example to all her family and many others. In addition to her husband, Bill, she was preceded in death by her father Lee Borup, and her sister Kay. She is survived by her children, Jennifer Peatross (Lee), Amy Sheppard (Jacob), Rachel McDermott (Lance), Heather Arnita (Rick), Jessica Barker (Josh), David (Chika), and Alicia (Adam Franklin); her mother Geri Lage; her brother Brent Borup (Eydie); and her 31 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 15 at 10 am at the LDS chapel at 4170 S. Ranch House Parkway, Gilbert, AZ 85297, followed by a graveside service at the City of Mesa Cemetery

Gail Kay Geer

June 18, 1945 - July 8, 2016