Rhonda Gail Ingalls, 61, of West Fork, Arkansas, passed away on March 22, 2020 after a valiant battle with esophageal cancer.
Gail was born October 27, 1958 to Junior Leon and Lora Jean Porter of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
After graduating from Fayetteville High School in 1977, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Harding University in Elementary Education in 1981. After her graduation, she landed her first teaching job in Spokane, Washington where it started her 25 year teaching career.
She met Kenneth James Ingalls, the love of her life and member of the U.S. Coast Guard, in Spokane, Washington. Gail and Kenneth wed in 1987, going on to give birth to two daughters, Rebecca Jean Ingalls and Rachel JaNell Ingalls. Kenneth and Gail have been married for 33 years.
Gail taught elementary school in Spokane, Washington, Seattle Washington, and Anaheim, California, before moving back to West Fork, Arkansas after her husband’s U.S. Coast Guard retirement. Gail taught Special Education and Elementary Education in the public school systems of West Fork, Winslow and Greenland.
Gail enjoyed being with her family and their many gatherings, in particular the 4th of July, camping and fishing trips to Roaring River, watching the hogs play, watching baseball games and visiting Branson, Missouri. Gail had fond memories of moving with Ken and her family while serving in the military that took her to places like Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii and Guam.
She will always be remembered as a beloved school teacher, mother, wife and Christian woman blessed with the prettiest church voice. Gail was very kind, nurturing, warm-hearted and touched the lives and hearts of all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Lora Jean Porter and nephew, Jared Wayne Porter.
Gail is survived by her husband, Kenneth Ingalls (West Fork, Arkansas); their two daughters, Rebecca and husband, Chris Lehew (Overland Park, Kansas) and Rachel Ingalls (West Fork, Arkansas); her father; Junior Leon Porter (Fayetteville, Arkansas); her three brothers and their significant others – Ronnie Porter and Sheri Holloway (Springdale, AR), Randy Porter and Lyniece Martin (Springdale, AR) and Rusty and Stella Porter (Hot Springs, AR); and many beloved nieces and nephews – Ashley, Andrew and Porter Prendergast, Matt Farmer, Tyler and Jen Porter, Dillon, Michelle and Molly Barlow and Devon and Ryleigh Porter.
Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at Brentwood Cemetery with Minister Keith Caselman officiating.
I only had the pleasure of knowing and teaching with her for a little over a year. But just in that short time I will cherish our talks and her sweet spirit. I’m
Prayers for comfort to the family during this time.
It’s with a deep heart and sadness to the Ingalls family. Gail was a great spouse, mother and teacher. She will truly be missed and remembered. I want your family to heal in your heart. Gail is smiling down from heaven holding Gods hand. She is saying be strong be loving be true. She is saying live your life and one day we will meet again. She says she loves you all and smile and remember the times we had. She is in a better place without pain or suffering. The lord is amazing. I pray for you and the family.
I am so sorry to hear about Gail .She was a wonderful teacher. She touched both of the lives of my kiddos .One still has a rock she gave him six years ago .My prayers go out to her family .
It’s with a heavy heart we offer our condolences in this sorrowful time. My heart and love go to you Ken and your family. Gail will be missed by so many.
Sorry for your loss M r.ken I ngalls . Thoughts and prayers from both of us. Jeff and Barbara Bowen.
I only had her as a teacher in fourth grade and she was the best because she gave us all a rock and it was special to me. Prayers to the family
My sincere condolences!! Thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones and family! I had the pleasure of knowing her through her teaching both my boys, in which she was one of their favorite teachers!! And was hoping my youngest would have got the pleasure of having her as a teacher but she began her battle and became ill. She was so sweet and kind, and will be missed dearly!! An angel through and through!!
I had the pleasure of being Gail’s hairdresser for over 10 years. Over the years, she became a great friend and gave me so much more than I ever gave her. She loved her family and was such a sweet spirit. I will cherish our talks and I’m blessed to have known her.
Love and prayers to her family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gail was a great person and cared deeply for people. She will be missed from all the areas that she touched and the many lives that she touched.
I am so sorry to hear about this
Ken if you need anything let me or jesse know
Sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman. Keeping your family in thoughts and prayers.
We are all blessed to have known Gail and her family and so thankful our paths crossed in this life. We will cherish the sweetest memories of her as we know you will. May the assurance of seeing her again be comforting and we know she was welcomed with the applause of angels. All our love and prayers.
Bryan, Lynette, Trevor, Cynda, Hallie, Trent and Lane
So very sorry for your loss .
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
It’s hard to imagine her body not in animation, being still. She was always such a cheerful woman. I have many fond memories of her in my father’s youth group at Center Street Church. One of my best memories is of her and Randall Oxford singing Mockingbird by Carly Simon & James Taylor on the back porch of Lonnie and Emma’s house at the fish fry. As a young boy I thought they sounded like rock stars. I hate that such a light has passed from this life to the next, but it’s our loss and heavens gain.
I am heartbroken for Ken and the girls. Gail lived a life of love and kindness.
She touched many lives and had a impact on the children she taught and nurtured. Mourn for her loss her on earth but rejoice for she now touches the face of our Lord.
I so enjoyed knowing and teaching with Gail. Regan loved having her as a 4th grade teacher. I have no words for how sorry we are for your loss. Gone way too soon from our lives. We are thinking of you and your family. Thoughts and prayers to get through this.
God will wipe away every from their eyes and there will be no more death,sadness,crying, or pain revelation 21:4 what have you done today to avoid death? Likely a lot. You’ve popped pills, pumped pecks passed on the pie, and pursued the polyunsaturates…. why? Why the effort? Because you are worried about staying alive. That won’t be a worry in heaven. In fact you won’t be worrying at all. You won’t worry in heaven. In heaven we’ll feel no pain. Some of you fellows worry about getting old. You won’t in heaven. We’ll all be ceaselessly strong…. we are not made of steel, we’re made of dust. And this life is not crowned with life however is different. Jesus urged the Christians in smyrna to ” be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life” (rev.2:10). Ken I know your is broken in half right now but you your wife is in a place right now and our holy father Jesus christ is going to take very good care of her in her new home. You know our holy father keeps his promises too all of his children. Just remember you will be with your wife again some day. And also remember that she is always in your heart and she will always look down at you from heaven. Lots of love your friend sam.
I’m so sorry to hear about Gail’s passing! I have a lot of great memories when we would visit Arkansas and stay at Lora Jean and Leon’s house! I loved Gail so much!!! God bless her family during this difficult time!!!
Eva and I are so saddened by this news. Ken you’re in our hearts and our prayers. If you need me for Anything Ken you got my number!
Dear Ingalls family, I am sorry to hear of Gail’s passing. She was a wonderful Christian who showed the love of Christ to her students. I have students who speak of her often. She will be missed, but heaven has received a precious saint. Our family will be praying for your family.
Its with a heavy heart we offer our condolences in this sorrowful moment. My heart goes out to you Ken and your family. Always remember that you are never alone. Gail is looking down at you smiling and waiting for the next time you meet. She was fortunate to be loved unconditionally by you and many others. One day you two will meet and walk hand in hand. Sending our love
Ken, im sorry for your loss, she’s in heaven with God, there are no words to ease your pain, im soo sorry, any other circumstances i would fly out there, its just impossible right now, anyrthing you need, please let me know, words alone cannot express how i feel, im sooooo sorry.
So sorry for your loss. You and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our hearts are filled with sorrow at the passing of such a beautiful soul. We have cried for your family and the loss of a sweet, virtuous, and inspirational woman. God can only know why He called one of his angels home.
We pray for comfort, we pray for joyful memories and moments to see your family through this difficult time. My heart aches for you, Ken, Rebecca, Rachel and the many, many family and friends that hold her so close in their hearts. The Lord says in Psalm 146:2 “While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” Mrs. Ingalls will be missed, and our prayers and support are here for you. Much love and sympathies to you all.
Ken, you and your family are still in our prayers. Gail was a wonderful lady and she was greeted with songs of praise and Joy as she entered those beautiful gates. We love you brother.
Jerry and Carol Keen
I am so sad at her passing. I know she did fight very hard to stay with her family..we had a lot of fun family times growing up. She is with her mama now and out of pain and suffering. I pray for strength for her family and their loss…
So sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed the time I got to work with Mrs. Gail at Winslow School.
Praying for God to give you comfort during this tome.
My sincere condolences to all the family. I have so many wonderful memories of Gail and growing up together at Center Street one of the sweetest person I knew. You I’ll be missed. Love and prayers to all the Family.
My heart is grieved with the loss of your beloved Gail…
Prayers and warm thought’s as you face the painful journey before you. A Bible Verse comes to mind PSALM 56:8
Thou tellest my wandering’s : Put thou my tears into thy bottle : Are they not in your book. The Lord loves us so much that He collects our tears.
My deepest heart felt condolences Brother Ken and Family…
We all Love you Ken Godbless you are a lucky man to not only have kno but to have been married to such a kind gentle women such as Gail thinking’s about you in your time of grief
Harriet and I are saddened by Gails passing. She will be remembered by her contagious smile and servant attitude. She was filled with the Love for others . We are confident she is singing with the angels.
Gail was a wonderful friend and sister in Christ. I had the privilege of working with her and her daughter Becca, at Greenland schools. Her daughter Rachel and my daughter Emily were best friends in the youth group at Center Street Church of Christ. One of the fondest memories I have of Gail, is having her as my sons 4th grade teacher. She could see the potential in this quite reserved child and nurtured and loved him through a difficult year. My son is a senior this year and says Mrs. Ingalls was the best teacher he had not because of how she taught the content but how she loved her students. She will be missed greatly.
We are so sorry for your loss. You will always have those great memories that will stay with you forever.
Gail will be dearly missed. She was the sweetest kindest person I knew. She always encouraged my girls with kind sweet words. I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort to the family during these difficult times!!
She blessed my life and made me a better nurse and person
Condolences to Mr. Ingalls and his family. I am so sorry to hear this. Mrs. Ingalls was a extraordinary person. When she walked into a room it lit up. We are so grateful she shined her light into all of our hearts. All of my children were fortunate enough to all get to experience being in her class. She is their favorite teacher. Heaven has gained a true Angel.
My family is so very sorry to hear about Gail. Gail has always been such a kind, loving, and friendly lady. She definitely will be missed by all. All of you are in our thought and prayers.
One of the kindest and sweetest ladies I have had the pleasure of knowing, our family has lost a special member! My condolences to Ken and family!
We want to extend our condolences to Rhonda’s husband, children and family. We will be praying for your comfort. Retired ASP Sr. Corp. Charlie Brooks and wife, Carolyn of West Fork.
Gail will always hold a special place in my heart as a coworker, but most of all as a true loving friend. She was without a doubt one of the most loving caring people I’ve ever met and I will truly miss her. I cherish that she was in my life.
Love and prayers for comfort and peace go to you, Ken, Rebecca, Rachel and all the family.
Bless this family that knows God and his Love, Compasion, Forgiveness, Understanding and Hope…may His hand ease their loss, knowing Gail was, is and will always be that lite that shines continuously! The girls smiles, Ken, your heart and mind will keep her with Us all…
I knew little of Gail’s life, I did know she was Ken’s everything (beside the girls). Gail kept Ken coolheaded and straight-up made him the father of the family…kept him honest, calm headed, and made him wash dishes…Gail was Ken’s leaning post/and his mate in Life, love, and pursuit of trout!
May Ken, Becca Jean and Rachel have the peace of the Lord during this loss and greater gain knowing Gail is with Him….
My condolences to the family. I am so sorry for the loss of your Gail. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Having known the family for years, I am very sorry for the loss of this wonderful and beautiful woman. Her daughter was my daughter’s senior advisor when she started high school. Ken is a great man and I’m here if any of them needs anything.
Love and prayers to you and your family brother. 🇺🇸🇪🇸
The best teacher I ever had
My condolences, Ken.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family Mr. Ingalls
Our Deepest sympathies, to Ken and the rest of the family. Prayers for peace and strength.
Ken, our family wants you to know that we share in your sorrow. May God give you comfort in the days to come.
May God bless you and yours.
Clarence
Kenneth so so sorry for your loss ! It isn’t easy but keep going she would want that. Prayers
Randy, we are so very sorry for your loss! Please know that you and your entire family are in our prayers as you navigate the hard days ahead. May all your memories give you comfort and your hope give you peace, knowing you will be together again one day❤️❤️❤️