Mary Abigail Stilwill

Mary Abigail (Gail) Stilwill died July 5, 2025. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation one hour prior.

Gail was born in Sioux City, Iowa to Judge Charles Frederick (Fred) Stilwill and Helen Abigail Stilwill. She spent her childhood in Sioux City and attended Bishop Heelan Catholic High School. Gail graduated from St. Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana with a degree in Journalism. After graduation, Gail worked for Hollister Publications in Willamette, Illinois. Later she was a writer for Scott Foresman Publishers in Chicago. From there she moved to Sioux City where she was a public relations specialist for Iowa Public Service (now Mid-American Energy).

For the final 18 years of her professional career, Gail was manager of public relations for Meredith Corporation, managing the corporation’s charitable foundation. After retiring, she volunteered for several years with the Iowa chapter of the American Red Cross.

Her grandchildren, family, and friends, most especially her son, Tim, were always the center of her life and gave her much joy. She always said that Tim was the biggest blessing she ever received.

Gail is survived by her son, Timothy Stilwill; grandchildren, Logan Charles Stilwill, Carson Elizabeth Stilwill; brother, Ted (Judy) Stilwill; and sister-in-law, Jeanine Stilwill.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Mike, and her twin sister Mary Ann who died at three months of age.

Contributions may be made to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church and to the Iowa Chapter of the American Red Cross and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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