William Leon Gamble, age 85, of Miles City passed away December 8, 2012 at his home in Miles City.
Bill was born Aug. 26, 1927 at Pryor, MT to Leon & Dorothy Gamble. Bill had one brother Raymond Gamble. He attended the Big Bend School in Kirby, MT. The family moved to Sheridan, WY so that they could attend High School.
In Sept. of 1946 Bill enlisted in the Army. His basic training was at Fort Brag, NC and after basic he served one year in Japan.
Following his discharge from the Army he met and married Ann Lei of Sonnette, MT in 1953. Together they raised their family. They resided in Billings, MT where he worked for Pierce Packing. Bill worked for Ralph Carlat in Sonnette and later ranched for the Bradshaw Ranch at Locate, MT. The family then moved to Miles City where Bill worked for the Beacon Carter, M&H Gas, and Cenex Seed. Bill worked 35 years with Cenex Seed before retiring in 1989.
Bill’s father in law John Lei of Sonnette got him involved with the Masons and Bill Joined the Masonic Lodge in Miles City on Sept. 22, 1960. He received his Fellowship on Feb. 9th, 1961, Raised on March 9th, 1961 and Passed on July 6th, 1961. He also belonged to Chapter, Council, Commandry, Shrine and Eastern Star where he was active in all. He was a lifetime member of the Masons and received his 50 year pin in 2012.
After Bill retired he enjoyed volunteering at the VA Hospital, Miles City Food Bank, Masonic Assoc. and anywhere else that he was needed. He also enjoyed working his garden and woodworking.
Bill is survived by his wife, Ann; four children, Oralei (Ray) Hoffman of Great Falls, MT, Rosa (Don) Neese of Miles City, MT, Roger (Michelle) Gamble of Nampa, ID, John (Kathy) Gamble of Miles City, MT; grandchildren, Ty (JoanAne) Hoffman of Great Falls, MT, Tim Hoffman of Great Falls, MT and Amy Kendra Sophia of Helena, MT, Buddy (Debi) Neese of Billings, MT and Cori (Travis) Brothers of Farmington, MN, Krew Gamble and Bailey Baptiste of Nampa, ID; and great-grandchildren, Dylan, Logan, Tristen, Avery and Ryen; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Raymond “Dutch” Gamble.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 14, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with Family Receiving Friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment with full Military Honors and Masonic Rites will be held at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City.
Memorials can be made to the Shriner’s Transportation Fund, 1125 Broadwater Ave., Billings, MT 59102 & Wake Up And Lace Up, 107 Balsam Drive, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 14, 2012
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:30 p.m
Saturday December 15, 2012
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Saturday December 15, 2012
Esatern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 14, 2012
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:30 p.m
Saturday December 15, 2012
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Saturday December 15, 2012
Esatern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana
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Cathi and Joe Peila says
Bill was a quiet hero. The many many hours and miles he donated for our veterans, and his service in so many other areas in our community were always done in his humble unassuming way. AND he had a way of getting a smile or a laugh wherever he was. He will be missed soooo much. Our sympathy, love and prayers to all of his family.
Sherry Oster says
Dear Ann and family;
I am thinking of you during this most difficult time. Bill was a treasure, as you all know. My sympathy to all of you.
Barb Ashley says
Dear Ann,
So sorry for your loss, I will miss Bill or as he would always tell me my name is Bill, Leave Me Alone, Gamble—I don’t know where he got that from but he would tell me that every time I saw him. It was such a joy to work with him. Both of you are such dedicated volunteers. Prayers and sympathy to you and your family.
Ruben and June Opp says
Ann and Family We were so surprised to see about the passing of Bill He was such a wonderful man Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time May God bless and comfort you all.
Roxanne and Bill Harding says
Ann and Family:
Sincere sympathy to you and your family. Bill was a great man and will surely be missed.
Our family has many fond memories of Bill and the hayfield. They will forever be treasured.
Roxanne and Bill Harding
Pat Smith says
Ann and family, I was deeply saddened to hear of Bills passing. My heart goes out to you. Please know that we are thinking of you here at Sonnette. Love Pat
Stephanie Morris says
Ann and Family,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Treasure the memories you’ve built together and know that Bill is in a better place welcomed by Oral, Sam, and Joyce! May peace be with you in the coming days.
Love, Stephanie & kids
Marilyn and Jim May says
Ann and family,
I’m so glad I got to know both of, while working with the Food Bank. Jim had known Bill from his work at the seed plant and spoke highly of him, also. May God grant you many special memories of all the years with a very dear man.
Love, Marilyn and Jim May
GAY (ROLLINS) WUNISCHE says
Our family is far away, we think of you all often and have fond memories as a child next door, being pulled in the snow by a donkey and motorcycle and many more child hood memories, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With Love and great sadness All the Rollins family from Oregon Ione, Gay , Teresa and Tracy
Mike & Dorrie Mangen says
We are very sad to hear of your loss. I will always have fond memories of Bill stopping by the shop or Lodge and everyone asking him what time it is and him pulling out that gigantic pocket watch. His work to the veterans and masons will always be remembered. He was a fine man. We were lucky to know him.
Karen Krausz says
Ann and family, Bill will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He brightened many lives with his smile and humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bob & Charlotte says
Ann and family, so sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. Someone said, “do not cry
because they are done, but smile because they lived” We can not think about Bill
wil out a smile. All of you are in our thoughts and prayes.
James L. Arneson says
What a Kind hearted man. he will be missed by many. May God be with you at this time of loss.
Jan Munroe says
My condolences to you Ann and to your family. Bill had such a big heart for young and old.
casey trainer says
mrs. gamble and family . i dont remember how young i was when i met bill, or as my dad was fond of calling him wild bill,for the first time at the seed plant . all i remember is a kindly man talking to a very shy kid trying to bring him out of his shell. he meant a great deal to me over the years. he always had a smile for you and advice if and when you needed it. there are no words that can really console at a time like this but i want you to all know how much bill meant to me . the world is surely a darker place without him in it. you have my deepest sympathies.
Michelle Simpson says
I was saddened to see Bills name in the paper this evening. I will miss his smile and the way we enjoyed picking on Ann at the Farmers Market. Please know I hold you in my thoughts and prayers
Mollie (ostendorf) and Aaron Phipps says
Ann and family, Bill was a man of few words or many depending on the mood he was in. I could never tell what he was going to say, but I always remember smiling, which was always his intent (whether gruff or openly funny). May your memories surround you and keep you until you all meet again.
Jessie Beehler says
Ann & family,
Bill was a kind, generous man, constantly giving his free time to anybody in need. He was always on the go, even when it got tough for him to get around. He will truely be missed by all who knew him. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your fond memories bring you joy in your time of grief.
Mary Lou Richardson Keating says
Ann and Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers and many were blessed with Bill’s presence in their lives. Ann, we have been friends since birth and I know this is a difficult time for you. Both Dick and I value the time we spent with the Lei family. May God be with you.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Ann, Rosa and family,
So sorry to hear about Bill – our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He will be missed by many. God bless you all.
She Matthews says
Ann, my thoughts and prayers go with you. Bill was a fine man! I sure miss all of you.
Keith & Barb Hoover says
Ann and family,
I had many fond memories growing up on the “North Side”. And then later on with Bill’s dedication for the veterans. He was one in a million.
So glad that we got to sit with you and have supper awhile back at the boardwalk.
Love to you all
jamie and trent hess says
Dear Ann and family
We are sorry to hear of bills passing. Trent worked with John and heard many a bill gambill story. And there are many William gamble cribbage boards that will be played and memory’s made.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Rosa and all of Bill’s family,
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s death and will be keeping you in our prayers.
Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Rick & Dee Abbott says
Ann and family:
We were so saddened to learn of Bill’s passing ~ he was a treasure (as are you!). Bill always had GREAT stories and we will long remember his smiles! We also are so thankful for his service to our great country and our veterans!
Sincerely,
Rick & Dee Abbott
Deb Bartholomew says
Ann, Rosa, John and Families;
I was so sorry to hear about Bill. Bill always had a smile and story for everyone who knew him and had a heart of gold. Always remember “When a Loss Becomes a Memory, that Memory Becomes a Treasure!” Bill will always be a Treasure in your hearts and memroies will never be forgotten. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you and always.
Connie Brown says
Rosa and family,
I am sorry to hear of your family’s loss. May you have the comfort of family and friends; and peace in prayer! May God Bless You with the memories!
Nancy Arnoldt says
My prayers are with you Ann and family. Bill will be missed dearly .
Diane Grutkowski says
Don & Rosa, I’m with you today in spirit; giving you all my courage, sincere sympathies, and prayers.
Phyllis Beard and Family says
I remember all the good times we had visiting you all the way from Michigan.
Rudy & Teresa Tomich says
Ann & Family,
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will also treasure the memories Bill gave us. God Bless you all and believe Bill is playing pinochle in heaven.
shirleykukus sidneymt says
dear rose and don . so sorry for your loss i only meet your folks once a long time ago and they were really nice people . i am don’s second cousin . from sidney . my thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. shirley
Maureen O'Reilly says
Ann and family – my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. Bill was always such a joy to be around.
Pam Henman says
I will miss Bill. He was such a great man. The veterans and their family will miss him.
I always enjoyed seeing him at the VA. He will be missed.
Berl E. "Butch" Stallard says
I enjoyed the morning coffee’s at the 600 Cafe with the “coffee klutch”. Bill was always friendly and hated to lose (ie – paying for the morning coffee). Although I only got to Miles City once a year to visit my parents (Berl and Helen Stallard) I enjoyed the bantering with Bill. The “old timers” are gone – I will always enjoy my time talking with them. Gone but not forgotten.
krew gamble says
Rest in Piece to my grandpa, he’s extinct. I didn’t have enough time to get his reboot because it was in storm.