Ruth Y. Gabel

Born in Gowanda at the former Townsend Hospital on Chestnut St. April 27, 1937 the daughter of Edward J. and Esther R. (Johengen) Leiker.

Ruth married Douglas E. Gabel April 27, 1957 at the St. Joseph’s RC Church in Gowanda. Doug passed away July 17, 2002.

A Member of St Joseph’s RC Church Gowanda Ruthie also was at one time an active member of the Church’s Altar and Rosary Society, she selflessly worked on the Tri County Crisis Pregnancy Center Hot Line. Ruth graduated from Gowanda High School Class of ’55 she was in the Girls State Program and maintained friendships with classmates throughout the years. She enjoyed her Kackle Klub friends and snowmobiling with the Zoar Valley Snow Zippers . When Doug was alive they were part of a six couple group called the ” Dirty Dozen ” who would all go on excursions and dinners together. She was a member of the Pine Valley Equine Club and deer hunted. On a softer side Ruthie enjoyed crocheting, trips to Florida and North Carolina to visit family and enjoyed baking .

Ruth’s employment career was as diverse as her hobbies, from record keeping, tax preparer to working at the Gowanda Central School District, in the cafeteria to retiring from the school as a switch board operator.

Survivors include a son Gary (Barb) Gabel of Gowanda and a daughter Karen ( Bert) Miller of Gowanda and a daughter Connie Gabel at home along with grandchildren; Brad Gabel, Blake (Hannah) Gabel, Nicole (Josh Liskow) Nellist, Shane (Lauren Swope) Miller along with 7 Great Grandchildren . Nieces and nephews also survive .

Besides her parents and her husband Doug of nearly 45 years Ruth was preceded in death by a sister Suzanne (Robert J.) Eaton – Robert ( 2011), and Suzanne (2016).

As per Ruth’s request a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s RC Church Gowanda . A date and time to be announced. Burial in the Holy Cross Cemetery Gowanda.

Memorials , if desired may be made to St. Joseph’s RC Church 26 Erie Ave. Gowanda, NY 14070 or to the Hospice Foundation PO Box 590 Buffalo, NY 14240-0590.

Arrangements by the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda.