Gail Long Blubaugh, 80, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from respiratory failure in Orlando, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 26, 1945, in Greenwood, South Carolina, to Roy and Mayme Long, Gail was the youngest of three siblings. She graduated from Lander College and soon moved to Lakeland, Florida, where she began her career as a dedicated elementary school teacher in the Lakeland area. Over the years she was actively involved in multiple charities, giving generously of her time and heart.

Gail married Tom Blubaugh, and together they raised two daughters. She was preceded in death by her husband Tom in 2005 and by her infant son Kenneth in 1972.

She is survived by her daughters, Heather Blubaugh Craig (husband John) and Jenn Blubaugh Coleman (husband Tim); her beloved granddaughters Riley and Reagan Jefferson; John's children and their families, whom she loved dearly as her own—including her step-grandsons and their wives, her step-granddaughter, and her three great-grandsons; her sister Ann Broome and brother Ted Long; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

To Gail, family was everything—the light of her life. She lived life to the fullest and fought a courageous battle with strength and grace right up until the end. She will be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother whose greatest joy came from loving and supporting her family.

A service to celebrate Gail's life will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 3:30 PM at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes (Southside Chapel), 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland, Florida. This will be followed by a celebration of life at 1916 Irish Pub, located at Cleveland Heights Golf Course, 2900 Buckingham Avenue, Lakeland.

Memorial donations may be made in Gail's honor to Bonnet Springs Park or SPCA Florida.