Mary Gail Brumbaugh went to be with the Lord on June 1, 2023, due to complications from cancer. She was born on October 19, 1936, in Woodlawn, New York to John and Mabel Knisely. Mary Gail graduated from Hamburg High School in 1954. She received her nursing degree from Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in 1957. The following year she married her high school sweetheart, John Brumbaugh. On May 31, 2023, they would have celebrated their 65th anniversary.
She worked as a nurse in small hospitals in various communities where they lived. Their daughter, Nancy, was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1959. Daughter, Sandy, was born in 1962 in Nevada, Iowa. In 1964 they relocated to Lincoln, Neb., where John taught at the University and Mary Gail worked at UNL Student Health. In 1970 their son, Kurt, was born.
Throughout her years in Nebraska, she greatly enjoyed sharing her medical knowledge as a nurse educator. Her passion as a nurse was easily apparent in all her positions as she helped new parents, college students, and the elderly. Many times, people shared that they viewed Mary Gail as an extension of their own mother due to her direct, practical, kind and gracious manner. Also, during her years in Nebraska she was active in multiple youth ministries at their church where she also served as a deaconess.
Over the years, John and Mary Gail grew to love Colorado. They retired to Estes Park in 1995. Mary Gail enjoyed the cool mountain air and photographing the wildlife and the panoramic views. In the winter, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing were favorite activities. During the summers, she hosted many visits from family and friends. Homemade cinnamon rolls were always on the menu and were given to neighbors, merchants, and those who were sick or needed encouragement. While there, their church remained an important part of their life.
They lived in Estes Park for 25 years. In 2020 they relocated to Morgantown to be close to their son, Kurt, and his family. Grandkids and great grandkids were one of the greatest joys of her life.
Mary Gail is survived by her brother, Ralph and Elaine Knisely of Punta Gorda, Fla.; daughter, Nancy Brumbaugh of Lincoln, Neb.; daughter, Sandy and Kirk Vance of Lincoln, Ned.; son, Kurt and Michele Brumbaugh of Morgantown; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
I Peter 5:7 “Cast all your care on Him because He cares for you.”
In keeping with her wishes, cremation services will be provided. Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, from 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, until the time of the memorial service at 6 p.m. with Pastor Dana E. Wiles, Jr. officiating.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
