Beatrice Gail Barger, 72, a lifelong resident of Lexington, died peacefully at her residence on Nov. 14, 2024.

She was born on June 26, 1952, in the Stonewall Jackson House when it was a memorial hospital. Her parents, Beatrice Barger Doss and Charles W. Barger Jr., preceded her in death.

Gail is survived by her sister, Leslie Barger Straub; her brother, Charles W. Barger III (Susan), all of Lexington; her nephew Curtis H. Straub III, of Richmond; her maternal aunt, Charlotte J. Blaylock of Towson, Md.; and numerous dear cousins.

Gail attended St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville, graduated from LexingtonHigh School in 1970, and attended VPI (now Virginia Tech) as an art major. She was a forever loyal Hokie football and basketball fan, having attended ballgames from an early age when her father was head of the Hokie Club.

Also from an early age, Gail exhibited a deep affinity for nature, particularly creatures great and small. She became an accomplished equestrian, winning Class “A” championships often on “Irish Holiday,” one of her horses.  Whenever her mentor Anne Mish wanted to “take home ribbons,” she called for Gail. Gail always delivered!

Her passion for birding was equally fervent — observing, identifying, and participating in RockbridgeCounty’s Christmas Bird Counts. Gail served on the boards of the Rockbridge SPCA and Boxerwood.

Gail’s compassion and humor were displayed when caring for elderly family and friends.  Her selfless acts of service and unwavering support provided companionship and comfort.

Interment at OakGrove Cemetery will be private for family. A service to honor Gail’s life will occur on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. in Lexington Presbyterian Church’s Brady Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. William M. Klein officiating. Refreshments for family and friends will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Gail’s memory to Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden, Hoofbeats Therapeutic RidingCenter, or the Rockbridge SPCA.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home.