Martha Gamble, 94
Martha Gamble, 94, of Gladbrook, IA, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Westbrook Acres Nursing Home in Gladbrook. Per her wishes, Martha’s body was donated to the University of Iowa Anatomy Department for research purposes. The visitation will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the Gladbrook United Methodist Church in Gladbrook. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Funeral Homes in Gladbrook. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Northwest Missouri State University Library or a preferred charity. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Martha Mae Polsley was born June 11, 1924, to Ray Franklin and Ruth (Handorf) Polsley on a farm near Braddyville, IA. She graduated from Coin Iowa High School in May of 1942. Martha participated in drama, vocal music, sports and Girl Reserves. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College in May of 1945. Martha taught school in Denver, CO, Northwest Missouri, Horace Mann Laboratory School and at Iowa State College in the Child Development Department of Home Economics. On August 24, 1947, she was united in marriage to Robert Edwin Gamble in the Coin Methodist Episcopal Church. They became the happy parents of Ronald, Kris and Clark. During her lifetime, Martha was active in the United Methodist Church, EUB Church, United Methodist Women, American Legion Auxiliary, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Association for Childhood Education, American Association of University Women, Veterinary Medical Association Auxiliary, General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America and Alpha Study Club. She assisted her husband in his veterinary practice for 34 years. Martha liked to work with children and youth. Her Christian faith gave her strength. Martha’s family was very dear to her. In her later years, she was well-known for sewing handbags and sending handmade greeting cards to friends and family.
Martha is survived by her sons: Ronald Lloyd (Faye Stoner) Gamble, Kris Allen (Kay) Gamble, Clark Robert (Joann Schuelke) Gamble; her grandchildren: Eric Ray (Genevieve) Gamble, Sherri Lyn (Bryant) Shinaver, Connor Bryce Gamble and Alexandra Gillian Gamble; her great grandchildren: Edwin and Everett; her two sisters, Jean Armstrong and Lois Sullivan; her two sisters-in-law, Jean Polsley and Alice Cavner and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; her two brothers, Richard and Lloyd; her parents-in-law, Merle and Lucille Gamble and two brothers-in-law, Lawrence Cavner and John Armstrong.