Mabel F. Gill
Mabel F. Gill, age 100, formerly of Richwood, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, June 1, 2013 at Sterling House of Colorado Springs.
Born March 10, 1913 to Harley and Osa LeMasters, she grew up on her parent's farm in Richwood, Ohio along with her four siblings: Roy, Margaret, Charles and William. From time to time the family would load up in their Studebaker touring car and return to both their parent's homeland at Crossroads, West Virginia.
Her education began at the one-room Pleasant View School on LeMasters Road, not far from current North Union School complex. She was a graduate of Richwood High School; Ohio University, Athens, Ohio; BA; Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, MBA.
She was first employed part time at the Richwood Creamery. Upon completion of her studies, she taught compulsory school subjects at Byhalia School and coached the girl's basketball team. She married her husband Charles Gill and immediately became ineligible for teaching status as at that time the district rules prohibited married female teachers. She then joined the teaching staff at Raymond District and continued there until World War II when her husband was drafted and sent to France. His absence forced her to give up her teaching career to take over the family business. When he returned from the war, he was so surprised to see how well she had handled his affairs that he rewarded her with a Steinway grand piano which graced their living room for her remaining years.
Her musical proficiency began at an early age: violin, piano, organ and accordion. While in Athens she became the organist at University Presbyterian Church. Following graduation she became the organist at Richwood Baptist Church where she remained in that position for roughly 65 years. Her musical career flourished as she began giving piano lessons in her home and organ lessons at the church. She was active in the Richwood School's special events, served as an accompanist to numerous individuals and musical groups and balanced her work schedule around a heavy calendar of student tutoring, weddings and funerals.
The family coal business gradually evolved into a passing livelihood. Still operating the Pittsburg Paint Store and warehouse, she and her husband entered into the age of coin-operated Laundromats opening locations in both Richwood and Delaware. Years passed. Eventually her eyesight gave way, and her physical body began to weaken; nevertheless, she could frequently be seen making her way down the fractured sidewalks of Franklin Street to town, unable to drive, pushing her walker to her store in the alley, refusing to give up, looking forward to having lunch with her many downtown friends at the Winner's Circle.
Mabel is survived by her two sons: Charles (Karen) Gill, Saratoga, California; Richard Gill, Littleton, Colorado; grandchildren: Jordan Charles Gill, Zachary Dylan Gill, Megan Gill Hensley, and Tracy Gill Dinnel; great grandchildren: Jaden Lily Gill, Eliza Grace Gill, Channing Grace Dinnel, Avery Elizabeth Dinnel, Delanie Joy Dinnel and Luella Leann Hensley.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Roy, Charles and William LeMasters and a sister, Margaret Weller.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Richwood First Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Owens officiating. Burial will follow in Claibourne Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 7 to 9 PM at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Richwood.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Richwood First Baptist Church, 101 East Ottawa Street, Richwood, OH 43344.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home