GAIL C. LETT

Gail C. Lett passed away in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday, July 4, surrounded by her loving family. We fully believe she chose to hang on until Independence Day so we could annually celebrate her life in full glory.

Gail was born on February 17, 1945, on Boeing Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. to Dean and Jayne Vogelaar. As a child, Gail grew up in Littleton, Colorado, until her junior year of high school when her father’s job was transferred to Chicago.

Gail was an excellent swimmer. Her skills led her to train for the Junior Olympics until her appendix ruptured.

On March 24, 1968, Gail married her lifelong partner, Alfred Lett, in Oak Grove, Missouri.

Much like her name, Gail was a force of nature. She was a character – often becoming the center of attention at all family and friend get-togethers. She was witty and always ready to fire back if anyone challenged her. She was intensely competitive – always wanting to win any contest or board game at family gatherings. She would take any advantage she could to be victorious and, if that wasn’t possible, she would attempt to or successfully cheat, but she never admitted to such crimes.

Gail was wildly independent. She would never allow anyone to think she couldn’t do something, and she would have no problem saying she could do it better than you. She was proud of her Dutch heritage, often telling people her beer-drinking abilities came from her family roots. Her favorite beer, despite our taunting, was Milwaukee’s Best – or, as we referred to it, “The Beast.” Despite her slight frame, she was tough – a trait she showed her entire life.

Gail enjoyed collecting antiques, working in her gardens and flower beds, camping and her pets. She was a wonderful cook, always serving her family delicious Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. She loved carving pumpkins with her family. In an ideal world, Gail would survive on cheese and chocolate. She was a talented artisan with stained glass, and she was an excellent bowler. She was loyal to and dependent on her beloved husband, Alfred, for close to 60 years.

Although she spent most of her life in Missouri, she would often reminisce about the years she lived in Colorado. She loved visiting the hills of South Dakota and enjoyed herself with her family on multiple trips to New Orleans.

Gail is survived by her husband of 58 years, Alfred Lett, her daughters Susan and Stacey (Chris), grandsons Grayson and Gunner Gough, brother Dean Vogelaar (Cathy) and brother-in-law Steve Lett (Beverly).

A celebration of Gail’s life will be held on Saturday, August 15, at 11 AM at The Peculiar Winery in Peculiar, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Lucky 13 Animal Rescue (http://www.bit.ly/DonateL13), 119 W Gregory Blvd., #7907, Kansas City, MO, 64114.