Gail Wells
Hillview | Save
Gail Lea Wells, 72, passed away peacefully at 6:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
Born on April 6, 1954, in Jacksonville, Gail was the daughter of the late Charles and Alice (Newton) Kraushaar. She devoted her career to education, serving as an educator in the North Greene School District, where she made a lasting impact on countless students through her patience, kindness, and genuine love of learning. Teaching was more than a profession to Gail, it was her calling. She found great joy in helping young people grow while fostering a lifelong love of reading.
Gail had a compassionate heart that extended well beyond the classroom. She especially enjoyed reading books to children and treasured every opportunity to encourage their imagination and curiosity. An avid animal lover, she had a special place in her heart for rescue dogs and believed every animal deserved love and a safe home. In her quieter moments, she could often be found enjoying British television series or settling in with a good murder mystery. Above all else, however, Gail's greatest happiness came from the people she loved. Family was the center of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, Aaron Wells of Hillview; her siblings, Charles W. "Chuck" (Leah) Kraushaar of White Hall, Vicki (Gary) Bushnell of Roodhouse, and Joseph "Joe" (Melissa) Kraushaar of Hillview; along with nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, former students, and colleagues who will forever remember her kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to others.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Philip Kraushaar.
The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date.
Memorials may be given to the North Greene School District or to Scott County Dog Rescue, in care of Crawford Funeral Home, 1308 State Highway 109, Jerseyville, IL 62052, who has been entrusted with arrangements.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
