Gail Loyce Shibley, 81, passed away, with her daughter by her side, on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022. She was born Dec. 15, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio, daughter of the late William and Corrine (Hines) Graetz.
Gail found reverence in natural beauty, early in her youth, growing up in rural Ohio. She travelled to 13 different countries in Europe studying art as a college student. Her oil paintings honor the essence of humanity and nature. She often said “Our Creator is an artist, just look around.” Gail taught her children how to love nature by visiting forests and their surroundings. To her, forests were a cathedral of inspiration for her artistic expressions. Her other great passions were her family, love of gardening and human and civil rights. She was a founding member of the first West Virginia chapter of Amnesty International.
Gail graduated with an art degree from Ohio University, and later she earned a master’s in rehabilitation counseling at WVU. She worked at West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services in workers’ comp and at Valley Community Mental Health Center.
Surviving are her daughter, Jennifer Reed; son-in-law, Bart Reed; grandchildren, Bridgette, Jaqualine and Coller; great-grandchildren Jai, Alayja and Praise; nieces and nephews; ex-husband and loyal friend, John Shibley; and devoted friends such as Dr. Mary Haas, Dr. Mary Ann Murphy, Kitty Lozier and Randi Bell Knight.
In addition to her parents, Gail is preceded in death by her beloved children Tiffany, Ravi and Joe, brother Bill Graetz, cousin Reverend Robert Graetz and cherished aunts and uncles.
In accordance with Gail’s wishes, Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation arrangements.
Friends and family will be received at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 309 Baldwin St., Morgantown, from 5 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 29, with Pastor Tony Setley officiating.
Memorial donations can be made to Amnesty International.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
