Gail Ann Kotara Wood

Gail Ann Kotara Wood of Beeville, TX, embraced God at the age of 69 on September 30, 2026.

She was born on May 23, 1957, in San Antonio, Texas. Gail was known by many as “Teacher Gail,” as she was the director of Mother’s Morning Out at the First United Methodist Church from 1985 to 1998. Gail enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, crafting, gardening, and reading books. She also loved keeping up with loved ones by mail. Her most recent hobbies consisted of tending to the pets, keeping up with bird feeders, doing puzzles, and coloring with her two great-grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John T. Wood Jr.; beloved spouse, Larry Denning Sr.; her parents, Chester J. Kotara and Edith Pollock Kotara; beloved sister, Linda (Larry) Kallies; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Pillow.

She is survived by her daughter, Tanya Gail Diaz, and son-in-law Rodrigo; her grandchildren, Taryn, Camryn (AD), and Jaron Longoria; her two great-grandsons, Braxton and Braylon Shreve; her siblings, Carl (Joan) Kotara, Durwin (Roxanne) Kotara, and Gary Kotara; and in-laws, Margie (Johnny) Rogers, Darlene Underhill (James), James (Jayma) Wood, and Karen (Mike) Kroll; Johnny Longoria, father to her beloved grandchildren; Donald Shreve lll, father to her great -grandsons; many bonus grandchildren, including Rebecca Denning, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home, with a Rosary to be recited at 7 o'clock. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 o'clock on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Gutierrez officiating.