Donna K. Gamble

With a life that was committed to her family and the simple beauty of the world around her, Donna K. Gamble was a loving wife, devoted mother and doting grandmother. She was one to always be relied upon in times of need - never leaving a loved one to struggle. Her caring ways and loving embraces will be deeply missed.

The decade of the 50’s was a memorable time to live. The World had been relieved of WWII long enough to make life a bit easier on everyone, but the struggles with Korea still made many hold their breath in hope of better times. This was also a time of Witch Hunts and McCarthyism within the confines of our own country which created a sense of fear in many. Racial tensions also made headlines with the struggle to end segregation in schools and on public transportation. This decade provided the world with many notable and amazing marks in history as well. Breakthroughs in the medical field included the polio vaccine and the ability to successfully transplant organs.

In the middle of the decade, 1956 proved to make its place in history. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act which created an impressive 41,000 miles of open roads for the public to travel. And while these roads were built, rock-n-roll was paving its own legacy with Elvis Presley. He made his debut appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and earned himself a place on US music charts with the song, “Heartbreak Hotel.” On June 22 in Slone Fork, Kentucky, amongst all of the events whirling around them, Dave and Ruth New were making news of their own with the birth of their baby girl they named Donna. She was welcomed at birth in her grandparent’s home.

During her childhood, Donna had an adventuresome spirit - most of the time. She often lost herself in the many books she read and enjoyed gardening. In the kid’s clubhouse, she often put on concerts for her family and friends to enjoy. Fishing was also something Donna enjoyed, but touching the worm is where her adventuresome spirit left her!

As Donna matured into a young lady, she lived the life of a typical teenager. She loved spending the warmer days sunbathing or listening to the latest hits on the musical charts. She also took great interest in her family helping wherever there was a need. There were some difficult times she endured when her father became ill, but Donna naturally stepped up and made sure the family did not go without. Though her many brothers and sisters kept her time occupied, she had many neighborhood friends. One particular neighborhood friend, a boy named Ken Gamble, captured her attention and heart more than any of the others. The two fell in love, and when the time was right, they were married.

Donna embraced the opportunity to grow more room in her heart, as Dennis and Amy, gave her the gift of becoming a grandmother. Bristol’s birthday was one of the happiest celebrations in Donna’s life. This new life inspired her to find the goodness in each new day, as he impressed the importance of family and love even more. Donna loved her family, and she would always make sure they were content.

When Donna wasn’t enjoying spending time with her family, she was known to showcase great determination in various projects. She loved working in her garden - taking the time to weed it and make sure it was green with life and colorful in its beauty. She also very much enjoyed working on her house. If there was a fixer-upper opportunity, she would take the job on without hesitation. Here too, her determination kept her from getting any sleep on many nights because she was not satisfied until the job was completely done.

If Donna found a little idle time on her hands, she had many interests to keep her entertained. She loved to watch “CSI” or love stories on the Hallmark Channel. During the holidays, she enjoyed cooking dinners and making candy at Christmas. Arts and crafts or sewing were also not beyond Donna’s interests, as she made many wonderful artifacts for her loved ones to cherish. Probably the most important activity in Donna’s late life was taking the time to enjoy her family and friends, especially Bristol, Cholie, Chase and Brooke.

This world will surely not be the same without Donna. Her ability to love and care for her family, the selfless way in which she lived, and her determination will continue on in those she cared for in life. She will be lovingly missed and forever remembered.