Gale Babcock Robertson, devoted wife, mother of four, grandmother of 11, and great grandmother, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at the age of 82.
Gale was born in Vancouver, Washington on April 24, 1938. She was Senior Class President and received an Associate’s Degree at Sullins College in Bristol, VA before marrying George R. Robertson of Turin, Georgia upon his graduation from West Point in 1958. Raised an “Army Brat” herself, she was accustomed to the military lifestyle and, along with George’s military career, moved well over 40 times in her life, including Hawaii, Alaska and Saudi Arabia. A “career Army wife,” she expertly balanced volunteering, leading Army spouse organizations, developing friendships, playing tennis, painting and providing a wonderful home (wherever they were stationed) for her two boys and twin daughters.
They retired to Lake Monticello in Palmyra, VA in 2001 where she became very active in the community to include the Fluvanna Singers and the Palmyra United Methodist Church. In June 2017, they relocated to The Fairfax Retirement Community at Fort Belvoir, VA where she peacefully passed after 10 years of enduring Alzheimer’s disease.
Gale Robertson was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Major General, U.S. Army (Ret) George R. Robertson. She is survived by her son, COL (USA, Ret) Russell and his wife, LTC (USA, Ret) Susan of Fairfax Station, VA; her son, Randall and his wife, June of Rockledge, FL; daughter, Christina Paxson of Troy, VA; daughter Robin von Tagen of Brentwood, TN; 11 grandchildren, 3 (soon to be 4) great-grandchildren, her brother Larry Babcock of Fairview, NC, and sister Lynn Blankenship of Merritt Island, FL.
Gale will be buried beside her husband at Arlington National Cemetery (date to be determined). www.FairfaxMemorialFuneralHome.com.