Eileen Gabel, 74, of Tiffin, passed away Friday afternoon, June 17, 2016 at Bridge Home Health Hospice, Findlay.
She was born on February 10, 1942, in Tiffin, to Earl and Helen (Lange) Roberts. On August 2, 1969, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, she married James C. Gabel who preceded her in death in 2011.
Survivors include her son, John (Joann) Gabel of New Riegel; two daughters, Jane (Tom) Jameson, II of Tiffin and Janet (T.J. Locklear) Meier of Lumberton, NC; seven grandchildren, Wilbur, Cynder, Alysa, Jenna, Lauren, Clayton, Collin, and her dog Tippy.
Eileen was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Eucharistic minister, and was active in RCIA as a sponsor and made adult baptism gowns. She graduated from Old Fort High School in 1960 and from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor's degree in education. She taught school at New Riegel, St. Joseph Catholic School in Fremont, and Old Fort School, and continued substitute teaching after retirement. Eileen was a 4-H advisor for 47 years, sewing the sashes for the Seneca County Junior Fair King and Queen, and working and developing youth programs by assisting 4-H groups at county fairs around the area. She farmed and recycled newspapers with her husband Jim; they were inducted into the Seneca County Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2002, and hosted American Field Service Students for 24 years from seven different countries. She was a member of the Old Fort Young Farmers, Seneca County Pork Producers, Ohio Federation of Farm Women, Seneca County Home Economics Club, and was the first woman elected to North Central Electrical Co-Op, where she served for 18 years as a board member and 10 years as secretary. Eileen enjoyed going to the theatre, working on puzzles, playing dart ball and cards with friends, canning, bus trips, collecting Smucker's teacups and plates, and helping others.
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. A Rosary will be prayed 20 minutes prior to Mass. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Friends may visit with the family from 2:00-8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424. A Christian Wake Service will begin at 8:00 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to Seneca County 4-H Programs, Bridge Home Health Hospice or to St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.