Gail Francine Willey Robinson

Gail Francine Willey Robinson, 81, of Delta Colorado left for her heavenly home on April 25, 2026 after long and hard fought battle with leukemia.

Gail was born October 7, 1944 to Frank E. and Eula (White) Willey of Winfall, NC. At the time of her birth, her father was fighting in France in WWII. He was wounded in the battle of St. Lo but eventually returned home to meet his 18 month old daughter.

Gail spent her childhood in NC until 1951 when her family moved to Portsmouth, VA. Gail grew up in Portsmouth and was a 1961 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Gail loved art and along with her high school art class, created a tile mosaic in the assembly hall that would remain for 50 years. After high school Gail continued her study of art at Ricks College in Rexburg, ID. After college Gail returned to Portsmouth and stayed until 1982 when she moved with her daughters to Paonia, CO.

Gail loved her family and cherished spending time with them, she was always ready to go on a trip, go to the movies, make a big pot of soup for everyone to share, and especially to be a part of her grandchildrens lives, spending as much time with them as possible. Gail also loved reading, going to thrift stores, taking day trips to various Colorado mountain towns, and visits to Virginia and North Carolina to see family. Throughout her life she especially loved trips to the Outer Banks of NC.

Gail is survived by her daughters, Leslie Sparks and Stacie Smith both of Hotchkiss, CO. 8 grandchildren, Ricky (Brandy) Sparks, Mikel (Mackenzie) Sparks, Ryan (Michelle) Sparks, Cody (Ashley) Bartlett, Dustin (Jade) Bartlett, Mila and Tyeson Juarez, and Dallas Hostetler. 9 great-grandchildren, Elly, Hunter, Cooper, Barrett, Wyatt, Addison, and Avery Sparks and Casey and Blair Bartlett. Blair was born shortly before her passing and she was ecstatic to get to meet her. Her sisters, Lorna (Ed) Ellis, Nanette Coon, and Janet Willey. Gail is also survived by many other family members who she always made a point of keeping in touch with.

Gail is preceded in death by an infant son, Stanley Baker, her parents, a brother, Frankie Willey, a special aunt, Lucille White, and her son in law Rick Sparks.

Gail will always be remembered for her laugh that filled a room, her generosity even when she didn’t have much, and her unwavering love for her family.

At Gails request a private graveside service will be held.