Gail Cram Brown, 84, passed away on March 25, 2023 after a short battle with an illness. She was able to spend her final time on earth with family surrounding her. Gail was born in Kanab, Utah on April 27, 1938 along with her twin brother Gary Cram. Gail was the daughter of Reed Cram and Genevieve McAllister. Her mother passed away during childbirth complications when Gail was only three years old. Gail was raised by her father and older siblings.
Gail married her husband, Mark Haslem Brown in 1959. They spent several years moving around different states following Mark’s employment. Eventually they settled in Las Vegas, Nevada where Mark worked at the Nevada Test Site. In 1970 they were able to return home to Kanab where they opened the first Sears catalog store. Gail spent the majority of her time raising their three sons and helping Mark with their business. Gail’s husband passed away in 1982.
Gail was always an immaculate house keeper and loved to garden. She took pride in maintaining the garden and keeping the yard in spectacular condition. She was very proud of several awards they received from the Salt Lake Tribune Beautification Committee. For many years she spent time working in her ward compassionate services. She served faithfully for many years until her health no longer allowed her to continue.
In the early 90’s Gail met Johnny Churchill and became very close friends. She was able to spend time with him traveling the United States, seeing many places outside of Kanab. She enjoyed the many years they were able to grow close, until Johnny passed away.
Gail spoke often of her family. She was nothing but proud of her three sons, three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She was also interested in what they were doing, and while her health allowed, constantly visiting someone in her family. She rarely missed a day of driving around town and visiting the cemetery.
As the years passed, her arthritis caused her to become less self-sufficient and she moved in with her eldest son in Kanab. It was difficult for her as she was a very strong willed, independent woman.
Gail will be missed dearly by many. She is survived by her twin brother, Gary Cram; her sons Lynn Brown and Cole Brown of Kanab, Utah, and Denny (Rhonda Blankenheim) Brown of Rio Linda, California; three grandchildren Devin (Kade) Shakespear, Derek Brown, and Peyton Blankeheim-Brown; and three great grandchildren Kolby, Kashton, and Cheyenne.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and 7 older siblings. A graveside service will be April 1, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at the Kanab Cemetery following a family only viewing at the Mosdell Mortuary.
Cole and family, I am sad to hear of your mom’s passing. You are in our hearts at this time.
Gail was a special friend. we would meet at the Cemetery while walking or visiting our loved ones graves. She was near my older Sister Eileen’s age and they were good friends. i always enjoyed her. she was a happy person and loved to joke and laugh . She would talk of her girl friends while growing up and their times together. mostly she always told me what her boys were up to. She was so proud of her Family and loved them. She missed Mark so much after He passed. Her arthritis grew worse every time I would see her. i could feel for her because mine had started up. Nothing like hers was . She would joke about it and carry on. She was a strong and determined little lady. iam sending my love and prayers to her Family. So sorry for your loss!