Dorothy "Gail" Matheson Hobush

Dorothy Gail Matheson Hobush was born in Chicago, IL September 15, 1938 to Dorothy F. Taylor and William John Matheson. She was the fourth of six siblings: John, Keith, Robert, David, and Sharon. She attended BYU and received her degree in Elementary Education in August, 1961. Gail returned to Chicago and taught the 2nd grade until she was called on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Central German Mission from February, 63 until January, 1965.

Gail met her future husband Helmut on her mission. They kept in touch, writing to each other after her mission until she said that the marriage would be off unless he would come to the U.S. Helmut came to the States on June 11, and the two were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple July 1, 1965 and made their home at her parents’ residence in Chicago for the next three years.

Gail was anxious to have a family, but there were complications, so Gail and Helmut adopted three of their children: Reed, Robert and Linda in fairly fast succession by referrals from the church. Gail quit teaching and devoted herself to raising her children and being a loving homemaker. After eight years of marriage, Gail was able to give birth to her son William. He came as a great surprise after several miscarriages.

Upon the sudden death of their son Robert, leaving his almost three year old son Joshua behind, the court awarded Helmut and Gail custody, so they had the privilege of raising him. Her desire to have five children–which she expressed early on–had unexpectedly and unconventionally come true.

Gail was always active in the church and served in many capacities over the years, including as a ward organist. Her favorite activities included cooking, genealogy, scrapbooking and watching Judge Judy on TV. Gail had a great sense of humor, which she never lost.

Gail endured many physical ailments, having had cancer four separate times, had both knees replaced, rotator cuff surgeries on both arms, and diabetes, to mention a few. She was proud to have endured colon cancer, and survived it!

On July 28, 2026, Gail suffered cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital. She recovered sufficiently after two weeks, and was transferred to the Draper Rehab where their daughter Linda works as a nurse. After two weeks Gail was brought home, but upon arrival and getting her out of the car into her wheelchair, she spoke her last words. Her eyes closed. All efforts to revive her by Kyler and Helmut were in vain. Her dreams of serving her family came to a halt. Gail was alert until her last breath.

In recent days she was visited by almost all her family, which was a wonderful and comforting blessing. Oh, how she loved her Family!

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 11:00 am at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem, with a viewing held that morning at the funeral home from 9:30-10:30 prior to the services. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may view the Livestream HERE