Gail Oetting

(From Knell Mortuary)

Billie Gail Oetting, age 90, Carthage, Missouri, known lovingly to family and friends as Gail, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Oak Pointe, Carthage. Gail was born on February 22, 1936, in Mansfield, Missouri, the daughter of the late Alton Burke “Bill” Dennis and Francis Faye (Ingles) Dennis.

She grew up with a strong sense of home, family, and faith that shaped the way she lived and cared for others. A 1954 graduate of Mansfield High School, she later attended Southwest Missouri State College, continuing her education with the same steady determination that marked her life. She married the love of her life, Martin Christy “Chris” Oetting on August 5, 1955, in Mansfield, Missouri, and together they shared 64 years of love and memories until his passing on October 19, 2019.

Gail devoted her life to her family as a homemaker, and she took great pride in raising her children and making sure the house was put together. She created a warm and welcoming home where love, structure, and care were always present. Her devotion was evident in the many ways she looked after those around her, often placing the needs of others before her own. This devotion was also apparent in her dedication to the United Methodist Churches that she and Chris served as Pastor and Pastor’s Wife. She was loving, generous, and thoughtful, and those qualities were reflected in the way she lived each day.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Carthage, where she was very active and found fellowship and purpose among her church family. She was also a member of the PEO. Gail enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially raising her children and spending time with her grandchildren. She kept many photo albums and scrapbooks filled with memories of all the grandchildren, preserving the moments that mattered most to her. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles and was well known for making the best apple pie and chocolate cake around.

Gail is survived by her children, Denise Gail Marsh (Chris), St. Charles, Missouri, Donna Faye Thomason, Carthage, Deborah Ella “Debbie” Kellison (Dale), Bella Vista, Arkansas, Martin Christy “Marty” Oetting II (Helen), Columbia, Missouri, and Jonathan Burke “Jon” Oetting, Tallahassee, Florida. She is also survived by her brother, Larry Allen Dennis, Mansfield, Missouri; her sister, Judith Ann “Judy” Craig, Niangua, Missouri; thirteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Jack Langford Dennis, and by her granddaughter, Rachel Marsh.

Memorial services will be held at 3 pm, Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. The family will receive friends from 1 pm until service time. Memorial gifts are suggested to Heifer Project in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.