Barbara Gail Duncan

Barbara Gail Duncan, a longtime Valencia County resident who never failed to brighten up a day with her sparkling eyes, contagious smile and gentle presence, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Despite the challenges of life, she was always the essence of grace, dignity and joy all wrapped together.

Gail was born in 1944 to Ira and Juanita Myers. She spent her early years in Lindrith, NM alongside her brothers Charlie and Clinton Myers, before moving to Belen in 1951. Visits with her children back to her first home in Lindrith were an opportunity to share fond memories of a childhood in a rugged environment rich with natural beauty. She carried a love for the outdoors and especially the mountains of New Mexico throughout her life.

Gail graduated from Belen High School in 1962. Shortly after graduating and newly married to high school sweetheart Ron Gentry, Gail moved to Ventura, California. There she spent several years living near the ocean and embracing the adventure of motherhood. Gail returned to Valencia County in 1970 and started to create a life for her young family in Belen. Without the permission of her children, she began working in the front office of Belen High School just as her daughter Tammy approached high school age and continued until after son Cliff completed high school in 1984, Gail touched the lives of many BHS students during those years.

Always seeking to grow and learn, she then pursued a new career at the UNM Cancer Center where after beginning as a receptionist she built a professional career as a medical registrar. Gail and her second husband, Larry Duncan, lived in Albuquerque for 28 years before moving to Los Lunas in 2016. Many summers were spent hosting her grandchildren in Albuquerque. If asked how the summer would be spent, she would often simply say "Oh, we'll be making memories." Gail had a gift for creating and preserving the very best of memories. We are grateful that our vibrant, beloved Mom and Grandma spent many weeks filled with family, laughter and love in Colorado and Texas throughout the past year.

Gail is survived by Tammy Bergeson and her husband, Eric; Cliff Gentry and his wife, Ives; grandchildren, Kelsey, Haley, and Lucas; brother, Charlie Myers his wife, Phyllis and their daughter, Dana Sanders. She was also a loving wife, aunt, and cousin. Gail was a treasured friend to so many, and a woman of unwavering faith. She will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 10:00 a.m., at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley with a Reception to follow. A Private Burial will be held.