Natalie Farrow Gehl, a respected educator and beloved family member, passed away recently, marking the end of a significant chapter in her family’s history. Her death has left a profound impact on her loved ones and the community she served.
Born on August 25, 1932, in Olean, New York, Natalie graduated from SUNY, Albany State University in 1954. She married Howard Watson Farrow in 1956, with whom she had four children: Doug, Kappi, Gordon, and Ellen. In 1971, she married John Nicholas Gehl Jr. (Jack), and together they welcomed two more children, Tim and Liz.
The family relocated to Santa Rosa, California, in 1977 to establish a printing business. This move was pivotal, as it allowed them to grow and thrive in a new environment. Natalie was not only a dedicated mother but also an English High School teacher, contributing significantly to the education of many students.
After retiring in 1999, Natalie moved to Green Valley, Arizona, but returned to Sonoma County in 2018 to be closer to her family. Her later years were marked by health challenges, including a battle with lymphoma, which led her to enter hospice care in November 2018.
Jack, her second husband, passed away in 2010 from pancreatic cancer, and Natalie was also preceded in death by her step-son Chris in 1983. Despite these losses, she remained close to her family, particularly her two brothers, Doug and Bill.
A private celebration of life ceremony is scheduled for April 14th, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to support future students of SUNY, Albany State.
As the family reflects on her life, they remember Natalie not only for her role as a mother and educator but also for her involvement in the community, including her participation in the Church of Roses.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further memorial events or initiatives in her honor, but her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew her.
