A Celebration of Life for Gail Kappleman, Age 72 of Willow Springs, Missouri will be held at her residence 3876 County Road 4990Willow Springs, MO 65793 from 1-3 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of Always Faithful Memorial Services, West Plains, MO.
Memorial Donations may be made to; https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Gail Kappelmann loved life! She made the most of every moment and was a perpetual
optimist. Gail always possessed the attitude that things would turn out the way they were
supposed to and she rarely worried about anything, except the people she loved. Even with
those she loved she was more of a doer than a worrier. If she worried about someone for a
specific reason she would try to find a way to help solve the problem instead of wasting time
worrying. She was very generous and always willing to help someone she loved but never
wanted a lot of fanfare about it.
Gail was an incredibly hard worker. She worked different jobs while raising her small
children, she grew a garden, home cooked all of the family meals from scratch, and literally, with
saws, hammers, and lumber, helped build a home for her family. Gail went to work for UPS as a
part time truck loader in the mid 80’s eventually earning a spot as a full time package delivery
driver. At this time there weren’t any other women working at the local UPS center and it was
oftentimes a challenge. But Gail never backed down from a challenge, she met them headfirst
with strength, courage, and a work ethic that became legendary in UPS circles.
Gail loved going places with the people she loved, from big vacations to local fall
festivals on Saturdays, she liked to Go. Some of her favorite trips were the cruises she took with
her daughters, sisters, son in laws, and friends. She loved the annual girls float trip that she took
with some of her most beloved women every summer and enjoyed taking short trips with
friends, family, or by herself to the casino. Her most favorite place to visit was the beach. She
loved the water, the warm sand, and the sound of the waves. The beach was her happy place.
Gail was a very strong and independent woman. Through her actions she demonstrated
to her daughters that they could do anything they set their minds to and that they could stand on
their own two feet but that she would be standing behind them no matter what. Gail was her
daughters’ number 1 fan and she referred to them as the loves of her life.
Gail was married to her husband Thomas until his passing in April of 2025. She was an
amazing wife and supportive partner to him for all 55 years of their marriage. They were a
perfectly matched set, knowing each other so well that their quirks and personalities fit like
puzzle pieces.
Gail was a great role model in many ways. She was fun-loving, easy-going, and good
natured. She was also very intelligent, loved to read, and loved movies. She loved spending
time with her grandkids, whom she treated as friends, talking about books and attending movies
together. She loved Mexican food, Andy’s Frozen Custard, and 7 Brew coffee.
Gail is preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas. She is survived by daughters
Heather Rees (Ric), Heidi Darrow (Michael), and Tomi Coomer (Brad), Grandson Elijah Pettit
(Paige), granddaughter Gracie Coomer and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all of
whom will miss the love and light she brought to their lives.
In lieu of flowers and gifts the family request to please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Gail’s memory.
