Gail Marie Blatchley, 63, of Crawfordsville passed away Saturday at her home after sucumming to her long battle with cancer. She was born in Lebanon, Oregon; the second of three children to Hubert Eldon and Lois Opel (Nieman) Banta.

She lived in Crawfordsville and attended elementary school there. She graduated from Sweet Home Union High in 1966. Gail also attended nursing school. She married William “Bill” Blatchley on February 28, 1970.

In 1973, Gail, Bill and their sons, Billy and Josh, moved to southeast Alaska and made their home in Wrangell for 17 years. They made good friends there. In 1989, they returned to Crawfordsville.

Gail enjoyed traveling, visiting, reading, and taking care of the many she loved. She will be remembered well for her smile and warm attitude and her love for good conversation.

She is survived by: her husband, Bill Blatchley; children, Bill (Peg) Blatchley, Brandy (Rosanne) James, and Josh (Dee Dee) Blatchley; brothers, Jack (Peg) Banta and Jerry (Debbie) Banta; grandchildren, Zak, Bethany, Austin, Zoe, Tarren, Riley, and Ethan; and many family and friends from near and far. Gail was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of Gail’s life will be held in the spring of 2011 on a sunny day. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Gail’s name to the Samaritan Emenheiser Center at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.