Etta Mae Gamble

Etta Mae Gamble (Ramsey), 87, of Wichita, passed away on April 21, 2021 at Regent Park Assisted Living. She was born on December 18, 1933 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. In her early childhood during the Great Depression her family moved frequently. From Shawnee her family moved to Seminole. While in Seminole, Etta’s father was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1943, so they moved to Norman where a relative offered them affordable housing until the war was over. Etta was responsible for the household chores as well as looking after her younger brother and sister. After World War 2 ended, Etta’s family moved from Norman to Enid and then to Edgerton Kansas. The family’s final move was to Chanute Kansas in 1946. Shortly after moving to Chanute, Etta met her future husband in 7th grade English class. Etta graduated from Chanute high school in 1952. After junior college, she taught 2nd grade at Lincoln Elementary school in Chanute for four years until she married the love of her life on August 24, 1958 and moved to Wichita. Etta completed her bachelor degree in Education at Wichita State University in 1960, just three months before giving birth to her daughter. Her son was born four years later. Etta stayed at home to raise her children and was very involved in her children’s activities. As someone who lived through the Great Depression she was always saving to make sure that her children had quality things that she did not have. She was also involved with the children’s ministry at Countryside when her children were young. Etta was an excellent cook and prepared all the holiday meals for extended family gatherings. Etta shared a love of peonies with her mother and has planted over thirty varieties in her yard. About nine years ago, Etta was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The final year of her life was spent in the memory care unit at Regent Park. Despite the challenges of Alzheimer’s she remained a very sweet lady. She was always smiling and waving at the staff when they entered her room. Etta was preceded in death by her parents Edgar and Beatrice Ramsey and her sister Nancy Greve. Etta is survived by her husband of 62 years Glen, daughter Beth Gamble of Andover KS, son Jeffrey (Rikk) Gamble of Carrollton, TX and brother Ed (Ernestine) Ramsey of Centralia, MO. A celebration of life service will be held at Countryside Christian Church on Saturday April 24 at 11:00 AM. Internment at Memorial Cemetery in Chanute will be on Monday April 26 at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Countryside Christian Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.