Gail Colleen Derbyshire

Adrian—Gail Colleen Derbyshire, of Madison Township, devoted wife and mother, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2013 at Hospice of Lenawee. She is looking forward to seeing many loved ones and friends already in heaven. She was born May 5, 1951 in Adrian, 61 years ago to Walter and Alberta (Collyer) Henry. On December 22, 1973, she married Keith Derbyshire of Adrian at Sand Creek Community Church in Sand Creek MI. Gail was co-salutarorian of her 1969 class at Sand Creek High School, enjoyed playing clarinet in band and later played a blue clarinet, that was her favorite color, a present from her husband. She received her B.A. in elementary education at Siena Heights College in 1974. She worked for a short time at Woolworth’s, at substitute teaching, selling Beeline clothes, part-time at Allen Jewelry Store in Morenci, and most recently selling Avon. But her favorite job, even though it was only 4 or 5 days a year, was as Election Inspector. She loved seeing and talking to so many people that she knew and meeting new people, too. She loved taking care of and cooking for her family. She was well-known for her home-made bread and cinnamon rolls. She also helped her husband make wedding cakes for family and friends. She crocheted many doilies, bed dolls and baby afghans and gave most of them away, along with knitting, sewing and other needle work projects. She entered many of her craft and baked goods in the Lenawee County Fair. She also enjoyed genealogy and was librarian for the Lenawee County Family Researchers for 17 years. Gail was baptized at Jasper Evangelical United Brethren Church, but has been a member of Sand Creek Community Church since 1964. She filled several officer positions over the years, but especially enjoyed being a member of the Sand Creek Ladies Aid. She also loved singing in the Sand Creek Choir and had a strong, yet lovely alto voice. She was instrumental in organizing and running the Sand Creek Food Coop. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Keith; daughter, Marli Derbyshire of Chicago IL, senior demand planner for Werther’s Candies; her sister, Linda (Russ) Kitchen of Adrian, her brother, Terry (Tammy) Henry of Adrian and many treasured in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services for Gail will be Monday, February 25, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Wagley Funeral Home with Pastor Jamie Driskill officiating. Burial will follow at Hunt Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s charity of choice. On line condolences are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com

Gail Colleen Derbyshire

May 5, 1951 - February 21, 2013