Gail Ann McLaughlin

January 8, 1965 — May 1, 2023

Preston — Gail Ann Jones McLaughlin died on May 1, 2023, when her second husband of four years repeatedly shot her in a horrific and senseless act of domestic violence.

Gail was a mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, best friend and confidant, niece, student, teacher, mentor, leader, caregiver, planner, warrior, social butterfly, and our own “Dancing Queen.” She loved to celebrate birthdays, Halloween, and Christmas. She was vibrant, creative, curious, adventurous, and the life of the party. Gail had a heart of gold, she was fiercely loyal, and her favorite color was purple.

Gail was born January 8, 1965, in Brigham City, Utah, to Gary and Sylvia Jones, their third daughter, but their first with chestnut-colored hair and dimpled cheeks. She graduated from Davis High School in 1983 and enrolled in the University of Utah, where she made fast friends in the Phi Mu sorority and discovered she had a knack for numbers. After college, Gail married Shawn McLaughlin, worked at Smith’s Food King, and rose quickly to become a manager in the accounting department. She moved on to successfully run her own business for 25 years while raising their children, Raegan and Nikolas, whom she loved dearly. Gail and Shawn divorced in 2012.

Gail married her second husband in late 2018. She recently enrolled at Salt Lake Community College and was working toward her Medical Transcription certificate, pulling straight A’s in her courses as she planned a career that would give her independence. She was a black belt in karate, an avid bowler, and a cross-country traveler. She was a lifelong member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Roy, Utah, where she served as Vice President and was involved in organizing the annual Sylvia L. Jones golf tournament.

Gail was truly and deeply loved by her family and friends, including her parents (deceased); her two children, Raegan (Tarren) and Nik; her grandchildren, Kinley, Griffinn, Maverick, Keely, and Brighton, who knew her as “Besta” and looked forward each week to her sleepovers; her sisters, Susie (Dirk), Linda (Fran), and Laura (Rich); her brother, Jason (Meg); and her many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins. She is also survived by her loyal companion and Rottweiler mix, Maya.

A service to celebrate Gail’s life will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 5560 South 2300 West, Roy, Utah. Friends may visit with family after the service.

Although Gail was making a plan to escape the control, intimidation, and isolation of an abusive relationship, it is too late for Gail, and our world is a darker place for it. Please hear our message: domestic violence can be physical abuse, it can be mental and emotional abuse, and it requires urgent action. If you are experiencing domestic violence, please seek help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Utah Coalition Against Domestic Violence or the Rescue Missio’ás Women Center. And please wear purple–the National color in the fight to end domestic violence that symbolizes strength and courage, and Gail’s favorite color. Gail, you will be in our hearts forever.