Portrait of Gail

Obituary · Erlanger, KY

Gail "Jill" Rettig

Published:

Gail treasured her family and friends and found her greatest happiness in their company.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through."
— Eskimo proverb
What Gail loved
TeachingCookingGardening

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Gail "Jill" Rettig of Erlanger, KY.

Below, the family shares some of what made her life meaningful.

Every life leaves an echo in the lives it has known.

Gail "Jill" Rettig, a devoted mother, wife, teacher, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, her 81st birthday. She was born on April 26, 1945, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Joseph Walter "Walt" and Edith (Booker) Thomas.

Jill was a proud Beechwood Tiger, where she was actively involved in cheerleading and numerous organizations. She found joy in life's simple pleasures-cooking for those she loved, with her fried chicken and chocolate cake being family favorites; spending time at the beach, especially along 30A and the coasts of the Carolinas; tending to her garden; and caring for her beloved dogs. Above all, she treasured her family and friends and found her greatest happiness in their company.

In addition to her parents, Jill was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Edward Rettig, and her brother, John "Jack" Milton Thomas.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Tracy (Jonathan) Jennings and Maggie (Bill) Brash; her niece, Keli Oelerich; her nephews, David (Karen) Schneider and Robert "Bob" Schneider; her great-nephews, Noah and Thomas Schneider; and many dear friends.

Jill will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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