Born in Anacortes Washington in March of 1941, Gail was the eldest child of Merle Ebel and Viola Ebel Savage. Gail passed away on September 15, 2021.

Gail is survived by her daughter Brenda/son-in-law Ron Helvey, her son William (Billy) Tarbox, grandchildren Laura Bradford/spouse Chase, Paul Tarbox, Ryan Helvey/spouse Cass, Macy, Gunnar and Lily Tarbox, great grandsons, Donovan, Brandon and Vincent Bradford. Sisters Lynn Wade, Joyce Ebel, brother Mike Ebel/sister-in-law Lois, and their families. Step sisters, Elaine O'Neill and Patti Willey. Stepchildren Kimberlee Higgins, Greg Higgins and the extended Higgins family members. And special extended family Madeline Jenkins/spouse John; and Steven and Sarah.

Gail graduated from Anacortes High School in 1959 and went on to graduate from Seattle Business School. Her employment included Eddie Bauer and Seattle Public Schools before returning to Skagit County in 1986 where she worked as a VP's assistant at Skagit Valley College until her retirement in 2003, serving 27 years in public education. Gail was instrumental in starting the Kid's college program at SVC.

It was Gail's wish to extend a very heartfelt thank you to those who became a valued part of her life over the years for their friendship and kindness. Gail loved living in Anacortes and spending time with her friends from childhood and the wonderful friends she made along the way. Gail was a member of the Anacortes Lutheran Church, Anacortes Soroptimist and her Butterfly group of friends. She enjoyed family, friends, crafts, hobbies, especially baseball and traveling.

But the greatest joy of her life was the love of family and friends. She would say "my family is always there for me – how lucky am I."  Gail and her late husband, Tom were high school sweethearts who reunited later in life and enjoyed spending time together gardening at their home on Whistle Lake Road in Anacortes and cooking for family.  They especially enjoyed their trips to San Francisco and Tom willingly went along with Gail's love of baseball. Go Mariners!

Gail was preceded in death by her parents Merle and Viola, husband Tom, son Brandon Richard Tarbox, grandchildren Brandon James Tarbox and Kyla May Helvey.

Gail requested any remembrance be made to Children's Hospital in memory of Brandon Richard Tarbox, Brandon James Tarbox and Kyla May Helvey.

Gail's family wish to extend a special heartfelt thank you to MaryAnn Hatfield, Sherri Harpham, Cynthia Aanestad and to Gail's many beloved friends for their help, kindness, thoughts and prayers during Gail's illness.

Gail was kind, loving and thoughtful; her gentle presence will be sorely missed.  To share memories please sign the online guestbook at https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/gail-higgins