Earlyn "Dickie" Gabel

Earlyn "Dickie" Gabel, 95,
passed on to eternal peace on February 4, 2017 at her home in Florence, Arizona. Formerly, Dickie was a long-time resident of Gisela and Scottsdale, Arizona. Earlyn Kathryn Dannatt was born in Clinton Iowa on September 23, 1921 to Earl "Dick" and Kathryn Dannatt. She grew up on the Clinton family farm alongside her older brother Gayle. She was forever the farmgirl with time honored principles of what is right: respect, honesty, and hard work, including the growing and raising of food, sewing, knitting, and quilting. Her forever husband Ray Gabel served on the USS Nevada in WWll. Ray and Dickie were married in 1945 when both were still in the US Navy. She was stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois at the Naval Hospital, serving as a Pharmacist’s Mate 3rd Class. Ray was a Pearl Harbor survivor, so they both attended Survivor reunions every year. Upon leaving Iowa in 1956, they moved to Scottsdale, AZ. In later years, they moved to Gisela where she and Ray built a home on 2 acres. They put in orchards, gardens, and a pond; they raised beef, pork, and chickens, geese, and peacocks, creating a haven enjoyed by their extended family. They loved to square dance and were members of the Zane Grey Twirlers. She enjoyed nature and travel. Dickie volunteered at the Payson Humane Society and was active in the Gisela Homemakers for many years. When the farmgirl could no longer keep up with the chores of her beloved rural lifestyle, she moved to Florence, AZ. There she enjoyed the activities, pools, and spa at the Sun City Anthem Community Center as well as the Florence Woman's Club. Dickie was preceded in death by her husband Ray, son Randy, and grandson Wesley. She will be missed by her daughter Carolyn (Charlie), son Clyde, grandchildren Bob Lord, Colton, Crystyl, and Sage Gabel, 9 great-grandchildren, daughters-in-life Joelyn Davis and Cyndy Scholl, and Iowan nieces and great-nieces and -nephews. A memorial celebration open house will be held on February 17 from noon to 4:00 pm at her daughter’s home, 7178 W. Merriweather Way, Florence.