Gail F. McKinzie

Dr. Gail F. McKinzie passed away May 24, 2018 in her home at Robson Ranch, Denton, Texas after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Maryville, Missouri and grew up in Burlington Junction, Missouri. Gail received her bachelor's degree and master's degree from Northwest Missouri State University. She earned her Ph.D from Iowa State University in Ames, IA in 1976. Gail was a distinguished teacher, principal and superintendent during her long career of service to students. She served as superintendent of schools in Lee's Summit R-7 School District, Lee's Summit, Missouri, Indian Prairie District 204, Aurora, IL and Polk County School Board, Bartow, FL. She was the first qualified appointed (non-politically elected) superintendent in the history of the 95,000 student Polk County School District. Dr. McKinzie received many professional acknowledgements and awards during her stellar career. Late in her tenure as a superintendent of schools she received the prestigious Lagomarcino Laureate Award from Iowa State University. Dr. McKinzie is survived by her daughter Karie Kelly, Carrollton, TX, grandson Sean Kelly, Carrollton, TX (a recent graduate of Duke University) and husband Dr. Frank Mckinzie, Robson Ranch, Denton, TX. She also is survived by her step-daughter, Dr. Wendi Leibold, O'Fallon, MO, step-son, Dr. Brian McKinzie, Chapel Hill, NC and step-grandaughter, Camdin Leibold, O'Fallon, MO.

A celebration of life will be held at the Robson Ranch Club, July 7, 2018 at 1:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Texas Husky Rescue Program.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gail F. McKinzie, please visit our floral store.