Robert Cortinas Gammel

October 16, 1958 – March 23, 2025

Robert (Bobby) Cortinas Gammel was born October 16, 1958, to Socorro Hagens and Elbert Gammel. From the very beginning, he was full of charm, mischief, and a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and mail - so much mail.

Bobby was married to Michele Gammel for 33 wonderful years. He often told the story of how he had been sweet on her in high school and finally nabbed her later in life. Together they raised three daughters - Rori Sheffield, Taylor Ashby, and BreeAnna Guzman - who knew without a doubt they had the best “girl dad” around. He taught them to take care of themselves, showed them how a man should love his family, and never missed a chance to join in on their antics—or start some of his own. He was just as likely to get in trouble with his kids, son-in-laws - Brandon Sheffield, Billy Ashby, and Trevor Guzman - and grandkids as he was to be the one gently guiding them back to center. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

He had a deep and steady faith, rooted in his Catholic upbringing and a firm foundation in Jesus Christ. It wasn’t loud or showy, but it was unwavering and real - just like him.

He was a master collector of guns, knives, ammunition, and unopened mail. He had a special fondness for overalls, harem pants, and trying out every mustache style known to mankind (some more successful than others, but all worn with confidence). If there was a practical joke to be played, he was in. If there was one being played on him, he took it with a laugh - and probably got you back later.

He loved his grandchildren - Braedon Sheffield, Jaeden Sheffield, Ainsley Ashby, Kallun Sheffield, Charlie Ashby, Tristan Guzman, William Ashby - and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his newest little Guzman buddy. His grandkids lit up his world, and he brightened theirs in return.

He worked hard his entire life, always putting his family first. But he also knew how to have fun, how to laugh until your sides hurt, and how to make anyone feel like they belonged.

True to form, he didn’t leave quietly. On the day he passed, he sent the best rainstorm we’ve had in a while - rattling the windows and scaring Michele and their cat, Ellie, letting us all know he made it just fine.

He will be missed more than words can say, and remembered with every mustache sighting, every unopened piece of mail, and every moment of uncontrollable laughter.

For the Family and Friends Left Behind -

Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Michele; daughters Rori, Taylor, and BreeAnna; their husbands Brandon, Billy, and Trevor; and his cherished grandchildren—Braedon, Jaeden, Ainsley, Kallun, Charlie, Tristan, William, and baby Guzman. He is also survived by his sister, Lisa Felt, and her family: Eric Felt, Megan Istre, Drake Istre, Brooke Istre, Ryan Vitela, Morgan Black, and Zane Felt. Bobby’s memory lives on in their hearts and in the hearts of the Cortinas, Johnson, Lawless, Adams, and Boyd families, as well as countless friends and extended family whom he loved and treasured above all else.

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 3:3-5