It is with a mix of sorrow and joy that we announce the passing of our beloved Gail Elizabeth Birdsell, affectionately known as The Queen, who left us unexpectedly on January 15, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND, after a brief but courageous battle with an infection. Gail was surrounded by her family when she was called home. Born on December 8, 1949, in Newport, TN, to the wonderful Beulah and John Wood, Gail lived a life that was anything but ordinary.

Gail was a dazzling force of nature. She loved shopping for great deals and she found the best deal in the world, the love of her life, Guy Birdsell. They got married on November 16th, 1969. Together, they welcomed their first child, Lisa, in 1975, followed by their second, Luke, in 1978. With Luke in the mix, they declared perfection had been achieved and decided to wrap up their family planning!

In 2021 after Gail finally decided to retire, Gail and Guy decided to sell their longtime home in Marysville, WA and move to North Dakota to be closer to family. This gave them the opportunity to not only be closer to their family, but also have a more central location which allowed them to travel more. In 2024 Gail was successful in convincing her sister Barbara but more importantly, Barbara's Texan husband Frank to move to North Dakota as well. This meant a lot of family times and even more laughs!

For 33 incredible years, Gail ruled the nurses' room and playground at Sunnyside Elementary School in Marysville, WA. Her presence on the playground was known by her use of her bullhorn. She was loved by the staff and students alike, touching thousands of lives and making sure everyone was laughing and having a good time. Truly, she was the life of the party and the heart of any gathering—lightening up every room she entered.

While she is preceded in death by her dear mother Beulah, father John, and brothers Dan and Pod Wood, along with her cherished nephews John and Jason Litt.

Gail's legacy lives on through her loving family. She is survived by her devoted husband Guy, daughter Lisa (Dan) Henderson of Linton, ND, and son Luke (Randi) Birdsell of Libby, MT, Gail's sisters - Barbara (Frank) Litt of Linton, ND, and Linda (James) Wade of TN. Gail's pride and joy continued with her two grandchildren, Ashlee (Reese) Paulson of Bismarck, ND, Austyn (Nash) Henderson of Bismarck, ND, Brittany (Richie) Killian of Libby, MT, Lexa (Sam) Blacken of Libby, MT. Gail also loved her 5 great-grandchildren with all her being: Audriana, Hadlee, Koye, Quincy, and Acacia. She is also survived by long-time friends, Dennis & Mag Hall, Nancy & Dick Smith, and many more people that Gail loved and cherished.

Gail had three great passions: family, friends, and the casino—though the order might change depending on the day! A lover of laughter and joy, she leaves behind a treasure trove of memories for all who knew her.

In accordance with her wishes, Gail has been cremated, and we invite everyone to keep an eye out for future announcements regarding a grand celebration of life for The Queen in the great state of Warshington (This is how Gail would pronounce WA). Let's gather to share stories, laughter, memories, and Jello Shots just as The Queen would have wanted!

"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."