Gail Bond Vernon

Gail Bond Vernon was born to Dow and Pearl Burch Bond in Taos, New Mexico on September 19th, 1936. Gail grew up on Burch Street alongside her two brothers, Dow Jr. and Benton Bond. Her father (a POW during World War II) owned Bond Plumbing, and her mother ran a family-owned grocery store on the plaza, now known as Taos Mountain Outfitters. Gail was a lover of horses and eventually became the New Mexico Grand Champion Barrel Racer. After graduating from Taos High School, Gail moved to Colorado to attend Colorado Women’s College, before transferring to Oklahoma State University. Gail earned her bachelor’s degree in education and taught home economics for over 40 years. She greatly influenced her students and kept in touch with many of them throughout the years. 

While attending OSU, Gail married Dale Vernon and together they had one son, Rodney Dale Vernon. Gail and Rodney moved to Arizona but always looked forward to spending summers and holidays in Taos. Gail eventually retired to Corrales, NM to be closer to Rodney and her three granddaughters, Rhonda Dale Harper (Cody), Robyn Dow Chavez (Emilio), and Ryann Dawn Vernon. Gail loved her granddaughters very much and enjoyed spending quality time with them. She influenced them in many beautiful ways and was a pillar throughout their lives. Gail has two great-granddaughters from Robyn: Estelle Pearl Chavez and Emilia Ruby Chavez. They are grateful to have known her and will miss her dearly. 

Throughout her life, Gail enjoyed riding horses, skiing, sewing, cooking, and drinking margaritas with her granddaughters. She was a true fashionista and handmade her granddaughters the most beautiful clothes throughout their childhood. Gail loved to spoil her pets and enjoyed taking them for long walks in the arroyo or car rides to Wendy’s. She truly loved her “babies” and loyal companions: Lad, Brandy, Hannah, and Rico. 

Gail passed away on Friday, January 10th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the first to be laid to rest on her family land (now called Bond Vernon Cemetery) on Thursday, January 16th, as the sun was setting. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dow and Pearl Bond, her brother and sister-in-law, Dow and Nancy Bond. She is survived by her son, Rodney, brother and sister-in-law, Benton and Arabella, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Her family would like to thank Taos Senior Living, Red Willow Hospice, Ted Wiard, DeVargas Funeral Home, and Taos County Clerk’s office for their unwavering support and assistance during Gail’s transition into Heaven.

The family of Gail Bond Vernon has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019