Marilyn Frances Gabel

Marilyn Frances Gabel (Cribbs) aka Marilyn, Frannie, sister, Mrs. Gabel, Aunt Frances, Mom and Nana passed away on Thursday January 2, 2025. She was 80 years old even though she conveniently forgot her age and told people she was 70.

Marilyn was the epitome of an officer’s wife, standing steadfast by her husband’s side through his 24-year military career. She understood her mission and carried it out with the discipline of a soldier. As a military spouse, she often found herself shouldering the responsibilities of both parents. During her husband’s two back-to-back tours in Vietnam, she faced unimaginable challenges with resilience and courage. With very little help, she navigated those tough times, proving her strength and determination. Every few years, the Army called for a new home, and the burden of these moves largely fell on her capable shoulders. Marilyn loved her military life and took her Army wife duties to heart. She was honored to serve her country this way.

Her favorite place to be stationed was Grafenwohr Germany. She LOVED to go crystal and porcelain shopping. She should have written a book about it; she was an expert at speaking German only when asking how much and negotiating a lower price.

Mom was a great southern cook, but her children did not appreciate collard and mustard greens, beans and corn bread. Now they do. She received loads of compliments for her cooking from the Ohio relatives. She should have written a southern cook book.

She is with her husband, Bill Gabel, her father Owen Cribbs, her mother Vesta Amerson, her brothers Donale, Marvin, Bruce, Ray and George in heaven.

She is survived by her three children: Debbie Crider of Colorado, Tim Gabel of Florida and Monica Gabel of Florida. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Kelsey Crider and Danielle Crider of Colorado, Tabetha Stoudenmeyer of Florida and Luke McCrimmon of Georgia; and one great granddaughter Lily McCrimmon. She is also survived by two sisters: Cherry Kincaid of Florida and Beverly Tyler of Tennessee.