Esther “Gail” Toulouse passed away on March 29, 2023 at the University Park Nursing Home in Des Moines. She was born August 9, 1937 to Watson Ellsworth and Esther L. Condit, the 9th of 10 children.
For many years, while her children were growing up, Gail ran a day care center from her home. Then once her children were grown, she worked at Farmland Insurance where she also sold Avon to many of her co-workers and friends. After retiring from Farmland, along with her husband Ted, they opened up 2 stores in Pleasant Hill, Emily’s Attic and then later Pleasant Hill Uniques, Antiques and Collectibles. She had 2 favorite hobbies, jewelry making and her family genealogy.
Gail is preceded in death by her husband Theodore “Ted” Toulouse and their son Matthew. She is survived by their daughter Esther (Robert) Miller; daughter-in-law Julie (Lou) Defino; 5 grandchildren, Samantha (Micah) Leach, Danielle (Robert) Johnson, Alan (Katie) McConnell, Emily (Rod) Anadón and Nick (Cristina) Toulouse; 10 great-grandchildren; her brother Weldon (Shirley) Condit; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive guests on April 6, 2023 at Rising Sun Church of Christ, 6390 NE Rising Sun Dr., Pleasant Hill from 11am to 1pm with the funeral service following at 1pm. There will be a graveside service held after the funeral at Rising Sun Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband Ted and their son Matthew.
Memorial contributions can be made in her name to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Shriners Hospital, or The Wounded Warrior Project.