Gail Barbara Simer, 74, of Centralia, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024 at her home with her family by her side.
She was born August 16, 1950, in Clay City, IL, the daughter of Robert and Lois (Hastings) Turner.
On October 9, 1982, Gail married Detective Rich Simer and he survives in Centralia.
In addition to her husband, Rich Simer, of 42 years, she is also survived by four sons, Josh Blair (wife Angela), Richard A. Simer, Charles Simer (wife Nancy) and Michael Simer (wife Candice); sons-in-law, Darren Walter and Ryan Stufflebam; a sister, Anne Elledge; a brother, Tom Turner (wife Margaret); and 19 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lois Turner, a brother, Tim Turner and both of her daughters, Leah Stuflebam and Amanda Walter.
Gail was educated in the area through college as a top-grade student. She started with the City of Centralia from the Marion County State’s Attorney office in 1980 and worked for Roger Westbrook in a housing rehab program. As the funds ran out, she went to the city’s planning and zoning department. The city manager, Warren Browning, soon made her his administrative assistant and she stayed there for a number of years. She was later appointed to the city clerk position and thrived there for years, building the clerks position to a smooth-running productive office. When Warren Browning retired, Gail was appointed to the city manager position, and she served that position for many years. Gail ended her career by being the Marion County Jail Administrator and later the administrator of Odin Care Center. She was a member of the Calumet Street Christian Church for 40 years. Gail will be dearly missed by many.
Funeral services for Gail Simer will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Calumet Street Christian Church with Pastor Anthony Sweeney officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held at 10:00 am until the time of service at the church on Saturday. In memory of Gail, memorial donations may be made to the Calumet Street Youth Program and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Gail’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
