Mariam Gamble
July 11, 2016
Mariam Maxine Gamble passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Monday, July 11, 2016 at the age of 90.
She was born December 11, 1925 in Linden, Iowa to William and Florence (Hoy) Burnham. She was employed for many years with Equitable Life until she and her husband, Ernest, went into business as owners of The Park Fair Hobby Shop. She went on to be employed by American Republic until her retirement.
She was a highly involved, longtime member of Highland Park Christian Church. She had a keen mind and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and kept a daily journal. She was youthful at heart and enjoyed staying active by gardening, going to the movies, and going out to eat. Mariam was a social butterfly who kept in touch through letters and cards for birthdays and anniversaries. She maintained strong relationships with her cousins with whom she met regularly.
Mariam is survived by her children, John Gamble, Dan Gamble (Diane), Jean Gamble-Chavez, Joan Miller (Chris), and Christine Gamble (Tom Llamas). She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Patti, Debbie, Tracey, Kate, Kristine, Jeanie, Michael, Charles, Corey, Clint, and Casey; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Ethan, Aaron, Patrick, Annie, Sahara, Cameron, Justin, and Harmony; siblings, William “Bill” Burnham, Shirley Kubiskey, Chuck Burnham (Sue), and Carolyn Guzman (Jess); as well as a host of other extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Gamble; parents, William and Florence Burnham; granddaughter, Carma Miller; and her siblings, Lola Howard, Wilma Frangos, and Louise Burnham.
A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Highland Park Christian Church, 4260 NW 6th Drive, Des Moines followed by a time of fellowship with refreshments. Private burial occurred at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Mariam.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Patsy Mullins Saffell
07/19/2016
Dan, John, Jean and family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Deb Sutton
07/16/2016
Such a sweet lady, she would call me her little Debbie although she was was shorter than me. I will miss her hugs .
S. Tyler
07/15/2016
Please accept my sincere sympathy. The Holy Scriptures say that a person who lives for 80 years is especially strong. (Psalm 90:10) What a privilege that your mother lived for 90 years. Take comfort in God's promise concerning the hope of seeing her again and living in a world without tears where heartache and death will be no more.
Betsy Davis-Noland
07/15/2016
So very sorry to hear of Mariam's passing. I'm grateful, though, that she passed peacefully in her own bed. I have many fond memories of her and Ernie and all of the Gamble kids from our time on 1st street and from more recent times when visiting Des Moines. The Gamble and Davis kids are blessed to have had wonderful parents!
virginia hunt silver
07/14/2016
We graduated together at Slater. God bless.
Betty Walker Thurman
07/14/2016
Joan so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Forgot to put your name on previous comment.
Wendy Rupert Veach
07/14/2016
Christine. Hi Sis. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Never met your mom but if she is half as special as you, I bet she was awesome. If I'm not back in time for the service please call me. A few cousins are getting together the weekend of August 5. Kim is flying in as well. Hugs and prayers. Love you!! Wendy
Betty Walker Thurman
07/14/2016
So sorry Chris to hear of the passing of your mom
Mary Ann McCoy
07/14/2016
I am so sorry to learn of dear Mariam's passing. What a special lady! I shall always remember her friendly and happy personality. She truly cared about people and was so good to me.
Robert Gamble
07/14/2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I was about 15 when I met Mariam. Seemed like she always had a big welcoming smile for everyone who came to visit. Uncle Ernest married a great lady to spend the rest of his life with.
Janice Lowery and Wanda Bagby
07/14/2016
We lived next door to Mariam at Park Place Apartments. We just loved her. She was so nice.
We are so sorry to hear this.
Faye Carey
07/14/2016
I will miss my longest (63 years) and best friend who took a little gal from S.D. under her wing when I joined her at Equitable of Iowa. Our friendship has endured a life time which shows how special she was. I'm sure God has a special place for you Mariam. My love always!
Penny Akers
07/13/2016
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a funny, loving person. I will always have wonderful memories of her. My sympathy goes out to all of you. Hugs and love to all. Penny
Karey Anderson
07/13/2016
Mariam was a great friend to many. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary - always had just the right card for the event. Even better she always had a smile and a hug for all.
Deana Connelly
07/12/2016
Such heart breaking news, Miriam was a classy, feisty, outgoing, pleasant and fun loving person, she always had a good word for people and she was well thought of in her church and will be missed.