Rebecca “Gail” (Decker) Westhoff

It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of Rebecca “Gail” Westhoff of Columbus, Ohio, early Friday morning, March 21, 2025. Surrounded by her loving family, Gail passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 83.

Born July 27, 1941, Gail was raised in Grandview, Ohio and often enjoyed weekends and summers at the Decker family farm in Ashville, OH. She graduated from Grandview Heights in 1959 where she met her husband, Bill, at a football game. The two married September 17, 1960 and together raised three daughters.

Her appreciation of home economics segued into an abundant love of sewing, knitting, cooking and gardening, which she often happily shared with her daughters. She enjoyed the suburban lifestyle and the decades-long friendships that bloomed with neighborhood families. Very fond of the beach and family getaways, Gail also enjoyed annual trips to New Smyrna Beach, FL with extended family. Later, in retirement, Bill and Gail found a fun spot in St. Simon Island, GA for private, month-long getaways. She loved to walk the sandy shores, collecting shells and celebrating a fun haul of sand dollars along the way.

Gail enjoyed Buckeye football Saturdays, lazy afternoons watching golf with Bill, arranging flowers, and hosting family gatherings. Though a bit shy, she often enjoyed singing and dancing with her daughters and acting silly when she thought nobody was watching. She loved spending time with her daughters baking homemade goodies, dining out, cooking in, shopping, vacationing and even hanging out with their friends.

She dearly loved her four thoughtful and loving grandchildren, Jason, Meghan, Evan and Ryan, and her eyes lit up when they entered the room. She enjoyed teaching them how to bake cookies, read books or snuggle up to watch one of their favorite movies, learning the Disney songs to sing to them along the way. Making blankets and clothing for them as newborns was one of her greatest joys and gifts. Meemoo to Meghan and Evan, and Grandma to Jason and Ryan, the grandkids were always so excited to spend time with their Grandparents and being spoiled and loved during their visits.

Gail is preceded in death by her father, John F. Decker and her mother, Rebecca O. Decker. She is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Westhoff, daughters Susie (Greg) Stanley, Cindy(Sean) Ennis and Beth Westhoff, grandchildren, Jason (Heather) Bova, Meghan (Trevor) Brown, Evan Johnson and Ryan Kelley, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. She’ll be sadly missed by all.

To our precious family and friends, thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers, time and kindness you've shared as we've navigated, and continue to navigate, this painful loss. You are what holds us up and helps us heal. And to the special angels that helped us care for Mom and Dad these last 2 years at home and in facilities, we couldn't have done it without you. We love you dearly and sincerely thank you for every moment of love and support you've given us all.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you direct your donations to https://www.parkinson.org, you will click "Donate" then "Tribute Gift", then "In Memory of" then type in Gail Westhoff to make your donation.