Gail Colby

Karen “Gail” Colby went to her heavenly home on November 16, 2023. Her life of 72 years was deeply dedicated to God, and those who knew her have no doubt she was greeted in heaven by her late husband, Edward Stone Colby, her daughter, Rena, and her loving parents, Roy & Hazel Carlton.

Gail was most proud of the family she built and is survived by her children: Lisa, Jon (wife Kaitlyn), and Ruthie. Her greatest accomplishment was becoming a grandmother to Brianna, Brenden, Jackson, Georgia, and Hazel. Gail also saw four generations as the great-grandmother of Cambria and Colby.

She spent a good portion of her life as a widowed mother caring for her daughter, Rena. Although dealt a difficult hand, she remained joyous and generous, always putting others before herself. She volunteered in her church in countless ways, including playing piano during worship, teaching Sunday school, inviting neighbors to her bible study, and acting as treasurer.  Outside of church, Gail’s love for American Idol winner Taylor Hicks led her to the SOS, “Sisters of Soul,” an online fan club that evolved into a tight-knit group of friends.

Later in life, many in our community knew her as the local candlemaker. She poured her first candle over 14 years ago and has hand poured over 15,000 candles since. Gail's memory will be cherished by those who knew her, and her creations will continue to illuminate the lives of those who were fortunate enough to experience the light of Colby Creek Candles. In the beginning, her candles were made from rescued old teacups found on sale among ‘broken handles and shattered glass’ and her outlook on life was best summed up by the tags she attached to each new candle;

New Light in an Old Cup

This was once just a cast off old cup

Till it was found and redeemed for a brand new purpose.

Now it holds light and fragrance and is beautiful to behold.

We are like this cup. Redeemed for a purpose,

Filled with His light, His fragrance:

Made beautiful in His eyes.

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ… -2 Corinthians 2:15

Services will be held at Eric MD Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro, IN on Wednesday, November 22 at 1:00 with visitation preceding from 11:00-1:00 and we encourage you to wear her favorite color, red.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Liam’s Lighthouse Foundation