Gail Marie Sutter

Gail Marie Sutter of Puxico, a beloved member of the community, daughter of the late William (Bill) and Mildred (Sexton) Welch, passed away on November 11, 2023, in Puxico.  She was born on January 1, 1947, in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Gail was known for her loving and nurturing personality, which touched the lives of many. 

Shortly after her birth the family moved to the coal-mining town of Wheelwright, Kentucky and Dairy Hollow, which is located south of Butcher Hollow in the Appalachian Mountains.  Gail is a graduate of Wheelwright High School. 

Gail's father was a coal miner and when Inland Steel opened a mine in southern Illinois the family moved to Waltonville, Illinois and then Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  In Mt. Vernon she started babysitting for area children and working at a daycare center. 

While in Mt. Vernon Gail met Stephen Sutter where they fell in love and were married on August 16, 1977.  They became best friends, traveling companions and always helping and caring for each other the best they could. Their love stood as a testament to the power of affection and loyalty throughout their 46 years together.

They both shared a deep love for this planet Earth and all living things on it. Gail loved all wild animals and plants including a fascination of the microscopic world and observing the world's smallest flowering plant, something that only a very few people get to see.  They loved going out into the woods and exploring. 

Following their marriage they lived in Centralia, Illinois where Stephen was working on the professional staff of the Boy Scouts of America.  As Stephen received promotions in his professional career, they also lived in Oelwein, Iowa; Rolla, Missouri; and finally Kennett, Missouri. After 22 years of moving Stephen retired from the BSA and they moved to Puxico in 1998, where they have lived ever since. 

Gail with Stephen are members of the Mingo Job Corps Community Relations Council, Wappapelo Lake Area Association, and Mingo Swamp Friends.  Gail also enjoyed participating in field trips with the Missouri Native Plant Society. She was a supporter of the World Wildlife Fund - Save the Elephant Campaign and the Missouri Botanical Garden. She loved going to the Gardens, Butterfly House and Shaw Nature Reserve. Gail was also a member of the Puxico Christian Church and the Church's Sunshine Circle. Since moving to Puxico her favorite places to explore was the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Duck Creek Conservation Area and Wappapello Lake. Here she was looking to observe turtles along with other wildlife and native flowers. Among all living creatures, turtles captured Gail's heart with their mysterious demeanor. 

She also enjoyed watching nature programs, especially elephant programs on TV. Elephants truly enchanted her soul. The majestic grace and gentle nature of these magnificent animals fascinated her endlessly. 

Over the years Gail enjoyed collecting figurines-angels, elephants and dachshunds. She even raised a dachshund, Scottie, for 17 years. After moving to Puxico she inherited a cat, Tippie, from her in-laws. In each community where Miss Gail (as she was known by all) lived she ran a daycare babysitter service for a total of 39 years. She was also in charge of the nursery during Sunday Church Services at the First Christian Church, Centralia, Illinois. Over the years she helped raise many children from three states and had a huge impact on their development. Her dedication to caring for children left an indelible impact on their lives. Gail's passion for nurturing extended beyond her children and reached every aspect of her life. 

Besides her husband, Stephen Sutter, Gail is survived by her daughter, Stacy Welch of Sullivan, Missouri and brother, Daniel (Kathy) Welch of Texas.  Gail also leaves behind one niece, Tara Lynn (Adam) Harden of Texas and a nephew, Jason Welch of Colorado; and two cousins- Blake Johnson of Melvin, Kentucky and Susie (Arlie) Beeler of Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Gail was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Thomas Ward Sutter. 

Friends are invited to pay their respects at Watkins Funeral Home in Puxico on Friday, December 1, 2023. Visitation will commence at 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. to honor Gail's memory. A Funeral Service will be held at the same location on Saturday, December 2, 2023, beginning at 1:00 P.M. The ceremony will be a beautiful tribute to Gail's life and the impact she had on those around her. It will provide an opportunity to reflect on the cherished memories shared with her. 

Following the Funeral Service, loved ones will gather at the Puxico Cemetery for the Internment Ceremony to lay Gail to rest in the family plot. She will be next to her son Thomas. 

Gail Sutter touched countless lives during her time with us. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. 

In this time of grief, let us remember Gail as a beacon of love, kindness and compassion. May we find solace in the memories shared and may her spirit guide us towards a more nurturing and caring world. 

Obituary written by husband, Stephen Sutter in loving memory of his wife, Gail.    
                                                    
                                                                          Watkins and Sons Funeral Service
                                                      info@watkinsfuneralhome.com or phone 573-624-3548