Gail Shively, 76, of Rossville, entered eternal rest on October 12, 2026. She was born on November 29, 1949, to Melvin E. “Gene” and Phyllis Jean (Freeman) Leming. On June 7, 1969, she married the love of her life, Mike Shively. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family and welcoming four beloved children.
Gail graduated high school in 1968 and later went on to work for Purdue University as a secretary. There, she spent 35 years, before retiring with her husband. She attended Lafayette Community Church of the Nazarene.
She found joy in traveling, often visiting her daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in Hawaii. Gail liked to keep busy, filling her time with many hobbies. She loved all things Disney, antiquing with her husband, going on cruises, listening to old hymns and country music, watching old westerns and her mystery-suspense shows, sewing, putting together Charles Wysocki puzzles and miniature houses, and diamond painting. Gail especially enjoyed gardening. Loved ones looked forward to her gifting them a jar of her delicious salsa, made from the produce in the garden she tended to with Mike. A wonderful cook and baker, Gail expressed her love by bringing people together around the table.
Gail’s greatest joy was her family, and she often said that her grandchildren were her life. Gail had a heart of gold and never knew a stranger, making friends everywhere she went. Welcoming everyone with open arms, she loved fiercely and wholeheartedly, offering comfort, encouragement, and kindness to everyone blessed to know her. With a heart of gold and a deep, unwavering Christian faith, Gail touched countless lives through her thoughtful words, generous spirit, and acts of service. Thoughtful and dependable, Gail never forgot a birthday or holiday card, and could always be counted on to be there when someone needed her. She is remembered by her family as being a constant source of comfort, always having the right words. Present, reliable, punctual, supportive, and nurturing, Gail is the kind of friend you are blessed to have in your corner.
In addition to her husband, Mike, Gail is survived by her children: Kevin Shively of Crawfordsville, Brian (Vonda) Shively of Crawfordsville, Heath (Ginny) Shively of Greenfield, and Shanda (Jeffrey) Lee of Hawaii; 9 Grandchildren, with 6 girls and 3 boys; 5 Great-Grandchildren, with 4 boys and 1 girl; sisters: Sharon Wagoner of West Lafayette, Melodie (Kevin Pippenger) Leming of Frankfort, and Lisa (Duane) Peters of Lafayette; her beloved dog, Scooter; many, many nieces and nephews; and cousins that felt like sisters.
Gail was preceded in death by her parents, and mother and father-in-law, Glen J. and Virginia R. “Roberta” Shively.
A visitation to honor Gail’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Day & Genda Funeral Home -Bodine Chapel, in Rossville. A service will follow immediately after, with Pastor Michael Watson officiating. Burial will follow at Rossville Cemetery in Rossville, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. You may share condolences and memories of Gail at www.dayandgenda.com.
Gail leaves behind a legacy of faith, devotion, and unconditional love that will live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those who loved her.