Obituaries

Gail B. Twiford, 81

February 06, 2023

Gail B. Twiford, 81, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023.

Born in Beechhurst, NY, she was the daughter of the late Robert J. and Edith R. Thomas Carson. She attended Bucknell University majoring in Business Administration. She was an active member of the Kappa Delta sorority before graduating in 1962. Gail married the love of her life, Ken, a fellow Bucknellian, whom she met when Ken returned her pocketbook to Bucknell after a party in New York City. Ken and Gail would have shared 60 years of marriage together on June 8.

In her early working life, Gail was employed by Family Practice Associates of Lancaster. She would go on to spend the next 27 years with Millersville University, retiring from the Art Department in 2006. Gail loved to travel and was a master at researching points of interest by collecting every pamphlet she could get her hands on. Some of the fondest family memories initiated by Gail included Sunday night pizza (from Sam’s Pizza), Chinese Checkers by the fire and the Wonderful World of Disney on TV. She enthusiastically endured many sweltering summers of old school camping up and down the entire East Coast, sharing a 400 lb canvas tent with the entire family and dog. The birth of her grandkids was a well-earned promotion, including blissful vacations of paddle boat rides at the family lake house in Union Dale, PA and long walks on the beach at their home in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

Gail and Ken were long time members of a monthly gourmet dinner group and 50-year members of Conestoga Country Club – although she would often say she hated golf and didn’t particularly enjoy cooking. She was a Girls Night Out regular with the local Trivial Pursuit crowd and proudly held her own against “competitors” who were mainly teachers. Some of her other favorite activities included pancake breakfasts and volunteering at the polls at the West Lancaster firehouse, anything at the Fulton Opera House and events at Longs Park like the Summer Concert Series, the Sertoma Chicken BBQ, and the Labor Day Art Show.

In addition to her husband, Ken, she is survived by her children: Kurt married to Leigh Twiford of Camp Hill, PA, Kris married to Darrell Guyton of Woodsboro, MD, and Kathi married to Tim Graham of Lancaster; and her sister, Lynn married to Lee Spangler of Leola. Gail is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Madeleine Twiford, Boston, MA, Carson Twiford, Columbia, SC, Matthew Guyton, Champaign, IL, Mark Guyton, Woodsboro, MD, Sarah Guyton, Tuscaloosa, AL, Jason Graham, Pittsburgh, PA and Rachel Graham, Miami, FL.

The family wishes to thank Pastor Ronnette Comfort-Butler, family friend, and pastor of Maytown Reformed United Church of Christ, Maytown, PA, for her help both over the past few weeks and with our services.

After a private committal at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery, the family welcomes friends to gather in Gail’s honor on Saturday , February 18, 2023 at Conestoga Country Club, 1950 Stone Mill Road, Lancaster PA for a reception (11AM-Noon) then a celebration of Gail’s life from Noon-2PM (Dress: Business Casual).

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Gail’s memory to the Homestead Village Endowment Fund, 1800 Village Circle, Lancaster PA, 17603 (www.homesteadvillage.org)

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Condolences to the Family

March 31, 2023

Shocked to have a phone call that Gail has gone to her forever home. Having left Lancaster 12 years ago, I rely on mutual friends. When walking our neighborhood, we would chat and look forward to serving the election polls together. Gail’s smiling face was friendly with a spontaneous wit. She was always one of the truth tellers and I appreciate that. No doubt she will be missed. Knowing Gail, she earned a legacy and will not be forgotten.
Jane Chesney Henry

February 21, 2023

Ken , Kathy and family, our deepest sympathy on Gail’s passing . So sorry I could not make her services. I met Gail and you Ken years ago when doing a stage show at the high school and we needed a gong for a prop , which she happily supplied for us. i would have many so interesting conversations eith her when I’d see her over the years and could always count on seeing her on Election Day. She was a neat gal and always such a fun personality. I’ll dlwsys have good memories of her.

Gail and Jennifer Smith

February 18, 2023

Dear Ken and Family, I am saddened by the news of Gail’s passing. Circumstances prevented me from attending Gail’s Celebration of Life so I offer my condolence in this note. As a co-worker with Gail in the Art Department at MU I came to know her as the wonderful person she was in every respect.More than a colleage, a dear friend. I trust in time, fond memories and the comefort of family and friends, the harmony in your lives will be restored.

February 14, 2023

I knew Gail when she served as secretary in the Department of Biology at Millersville University. She was wonderful! While I was a new faculty member, Gail provided me with much needed support and friendship. I’ve always been thankful for her kindness. I know many will miss Gail’s presence in their lives. I send my condolences to her family.
Carol Ely Hepfer

February 13, 2023

Dear Ken & children, Please accept my deepest sympathy. Gail was such a lovely person–I always enjoyed talking with her especially when she walked by my house in Colonial Manor. I was always sorry I couldn’t talk her into golf since she was so social–she would have been such fun. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It’s hard to lose someone you loved and lived with for so many years. Mary Anne Aichele

February 12, 2023

Sending condolences to family. We met the twifords way back at apostles UCC and enjoyed the kids with youth group. I still remember Gail breaking her ankle while skiing and trooper that she was, enduring the day in her ski boots!!!! Gail, Ken, Kurt, Kathi,& Kris. Thanks for the memories. Hugs & prayers to you all♥️

February 12, 2023

I worked with Gail while I was Asst Director of Facilities at MU; she was a fine lady and a great help with anything I had to do in Breidenstine. My wife and I would run into her and her husband at Bucknell Alumni events. We always had a great conversation with her. Please accept our condolences in your loss; it goes without saying that the world is a little dimmer and she will be missed by all those she touched. God bless her and you. I know she had ‘fair winds and following seas’, on her final journey.
Kenneth L Bolig

Visitation: Saturday, February 18, 2023; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Conestoga Country Club; 1950 Stone Mill Rd; Lancaster, PA 17603
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Saturday, February 18, 2023; 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM; Conestoga Country Club; 1950 Stone Mill Rd; Lancaster, PA 17603
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >