With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce that Gail Gene Bissell, 72, was called home to be with the Lord on August 12, 2026. A woman of extraordinary beauty, grace, and unwavering faith, she passed peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Gail was born on August 20, 1953, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, to Raymond and Shirley VanBebber. At just nine years old, she met the love of her life, Robert "Bobby" Bissell, who lived across the street on Woods Street. Their friendship began with Gail playfully throwing rocks at Bobby as he rode his bike through her backyard. Like a storybook romance, their childhood friendship grew into young love. They began dating as teenagers, became engaged in 1972, and were married in May 1973, beginning a beautiful marriage that spanned more than 53 years.

While building their life together, Gail pursued her dream of becoming a nurse. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Missouri Western before receiving her Master of Science in Nursing from UMKC. As a member of one of the first graduating Nurse Practitioner classes, Gail was a true trailblazer, paving the way for others while beginning a distinguished career dedicated to caring for people with skill, compassion, and excellence.

As Gail and Bob worked their way through college, they also began raising their family. Together they welcomed three daughters—Shannon, Sarah, and Bobbi—and eventually made their home in Liberty, Missouri, where they became deeply rooted in their church and community. Gail created a home filled with faith, laughter, love, and hospitality. Sunday dinners became a cherished family tradition, bringing everyone together to share a meal, celebrate life's blessings, and give thanks to God for their ever-growing family.

Nothing brought Gail more joy than being a Grandma. Her seven grandchildren adored her, and she quickly earned the title of "Best Grandma Ever." Whether it was beach vacations, trips to the library, spontaneous ice cream outings, surprise gifts "just because," tea and dance parties, water ballon fights, bouncy house rentals, or building elaborate blanket forts, she created memories that will live on in their hearts forever.

Gail and Bob shared a special love for Florida and the beach, eventually purchasing a second home there so their children and grandchildren could experience the same joy they found by the ocean. Some of Gail's happiest moments were spent with her family on the beach, making memories together.

Gail had a joyful spirit that was impossible to miss. She loved to sing, loved to dance, and never missed an opportunity to laugh. Her infectious laugh—lovingly described as her signature "cackle"—could fill a room with warmth and happiness. Even as the disease slowly took her memories, it never diminished her loving heart. Her eyes would light up whenever her family entered the room, a beautiful reminder that love remains even when words fade.

She was generous, witty, compassionate, and deeply devoted to her faith. An active member of her church and a faithful Catholic, Gail lived a life of service to others and leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Shirley VanBebber, and her in-laws, Woodrow and Florence Bissell.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Bob; her daughters and sons-in-law Shannon (Andrew), Sarah (Joshua), and Bobbi (John); her beloved grandchildren, Mason, Piper, Boedy, Asa, Scarlett, Johnny, and Robert ("Bert"); her sisters, Linda (Bill) Gray and Becky (John) Arnold; and countless family members, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing her.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing Gail is now whole, healed, and in the presence of her Savior. Her love, faith, laughter, and legacy will live on through the family she cherished so deeply.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with the Rosary being recited at 10:45 AM, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church, located at 309 S. Stewart Rd., Liberty, MO 64068. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM. Following the Mass, entombment committal services will take place at 2:00 PM at the Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum in Kansas City, MO.

Our family will always be grateful to the incredible caregivers who became part of Gail's journey, surrounding her with love, kindness, and compassion, and making her transition as peaceful as it could possibly be.