Gail L. Bottorff

Gail L. (Haner) Bottorff, 79, of Pendleton, Indiana, passed away on May 24, 2026, at Grand Brook Memory Care in Fishers, Indiana.

She was born January 19, 1947, in Park Forest, Illinois, daughter of the late John and Esther (Waggoner) Haner and was a Pendleton resident most of her life.

Gail was a 1965 graduate of Pendleton High School and attended the University of Evansville (then Evansville College). She enjoyed caring for her children and grandchildren, cooking, reading, crafting, and spending time with family.

Gail was raised in Pendleton, Indiana from about the 2nd grade till she graduated from high school. While attending Evansville College, she met her future husband Richard on a blind date, where they saw a double feature of “The Great Race” and “Thunderball”. After getting married on January 29, 1967; she was a homemaker and moved place to place as Richard was promoted. She raised 3 children, volunteered at church and for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, learned different crafts, and bowled in a league.

After her children were out of the house, she helped babysit her grandchildren in their first months of life, forming a special bond. She continued to love spending time with them and her children as they got older; visiting with and hosting them often.

As Richard approached retirement, she was diagnosed with dementia, and they returned to her childhood home in Pendleton to be closer to family. Though she had to be moved to a memory care facility for the last couple of years of her life, the staff always remarked about how great she was to everyone and was often seen checking on other residents, asking how they were doing.

Gail was funny and had a great laugh. When having conversations through the years around the table with her parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, etc.; the laughs from everyone would frequently be so hysterical, you would have to fight to catch your breath. She will be greatly missed.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard Bottorff, Sr.; sister, Ellen Richards; and great granddaughter, AnnaLynn Bottorff.

Survivors include her three children, Richard (Joleen) Bottorff, Jr. of Pendleton, Matt (Tracy) Bottorff of Noblesville, and Diana (Mick) Seljan of Dyer; grandchildren, Harrison (Abby) Bottorff, Hayden Bottorff, Zack Seljan, Noel Seljan, Ethan Bottorff; great grandson, Thielen Bottorff; siblings, Charles (Joan) Haner, Leslie (Louis) Baker and Lisa (Kemal) Haner Celik; her best friend, Charlene Long; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration gathering with burial in Mendon Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.