Viola M. Gamble

Gamble, Viola M., Longtime Wichitan, current resident of Dallas, Texas went to her eternal rest May 25, 2015. She was born May 28, 1924 in Zion, Illinois to Carson Davis and Hazel Richards Davis. Viola is survived by her daughters Charlene Ekrut of Wichita, Karen Gamble, and Wanda Gamble of Smithville Texas, granddaughters Carrie Ekrut and Cristin Ekrut Maughan (Damon). Viola was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two sisters; Cleota Gibbons and Doris Green. With her family, Viola survived the Great Depression and the dirty thirties on a dry land wheat farm in Western Kansas. Viola Davis met Charles Gamble, the love of her life and father of her daughters at a Manhattan church during WWII. Earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University, Viola’s first teaching job was in Greensburg Kansas. After marrying, Mrs. Gamble taught in Topeka and Wichita, traveling for her husband’s engineering work to 11 cities in ten years. Viola earned a Master of Arts degree from Emporia State University after the death of her husband. As a single mother, Viola cherished and protected her daughters striving to give them every opportunity in life. She believed in educating her family beyond public school and was constantly driving her daughters and granddaughters to various church, music, and art classes. As a lifelong educator, Viola taught the majority of her career at Hamilton and Hadley Jr. Highs in Wichita. She also created curriculum courses for Vocational Technology, Home Economics, and Preschool, eventually using her skills working with seniors after retirement. Viola was an active member at Sharon Baptist Church. Faith, family and service are three words that best describe Viola Gamble’s life. Memorials have been established in her name at Sharon Baptist Church, 2221 S. Oliver, Wichita, KS 67218 and Botanica Wichita, 701 N. Amidon, Wichita, KS, 67203. Vistation will be held Friday May 29, 2015 from 6 - 8 pm and services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 E. 13th St., Wichita, KS.