Geneva Ann Gatling, 97, of Rock Hall, MD and Placerville, CA passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026 at her home in Placerville, CA.

Mrs. Gatling was born January 18, 1929 in Rock Hall, MD, daughter of the late James W. and Naomi Thomas Coleman. At the age of 17 she married the love of her life, Robert R. Gatling, and were together for more than 58 years until his death. Together they owned and operated the Rock Hall Bakery and Gatling Ambulance Service. She attended cosmetology school in Orlando, FL and opened her beauty shop on Route 20. After closing her beauty shop, in 1975 she earned her LPN degree, and in 1979 graduated from Wesley College with an RN degree. In 1979-1983 she worked as a charge nurse at Kent & Queen Anne’s Hospital; and in 1983-2000 she worked for the Kent County Health Department, including the PERT team, and retired in 2000.

She was a lifetime member of the Rock Hall SDA Church and was an active participant in the church. She played the organ for over 80 years and was active in the annual Harvest Home program. She was a current member of the Placerville SDA Church. She was a strong supporter of Christian education. 

She enjoyed her family, many friends, flowers, books and loved to travel, making the best tarts and homemade soups, passing on the family recipes to her grandchildren. She was an encyclopedia of information on Kent County and its people.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert R. Gatling, sister Lois Townsendand brother Thomas J. Coleman.

She is survived by her three sons, Ric Gatling (Pam) of Placerville, CA, Wayne Gatling (Susan) of Rock Hall, MD, Rob Gatling (Mim) of Chestertown, MD, 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the Rock Hall SDA Church, viewing 10:00-11:00 am and service at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Rock Hall, MD.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Rock Hall SDA Church (Blessing Bag program) PO Box 477, Rock Hall, MD 21661 or Pine Hills Adventist Academy, 13500 Richards Lane, Auburn, CA 95603.

Arrangements by Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech.