By Mandi Sakadaris
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    • Service

      There are no services at this time.

    • Full Obituary

      Betty Jean Gabel, 90, of Lebanon, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Cedar Ridge Health Center, in Lebanon, IL.

      Betty was born on March 20, 1932, to Ira and Bernice Hensley, in Mason Hall, TN, where she was raised and graduated High School. On August 15, 1951, she married Austin Wade Gabel in Corinth, MS. They would move to Dumas, Arkansas where she lived for 36 years and had wonderful neighbors, friends, and memories.

      In school, Betty played basketball and was a local beauty pageant queen.  Over the years, she was a seamstress, worked in retail, was a homemaker, a fashionista, a Scout Den Mother, and a fundraiser for numerous charities.  In 2006, after back surgery and her husband’s illness, she moved to Illinois where she began a whole new life with her son and daughter-in-law who were both in the Air Force stationed at Scott Air Force Base.  Again, she met many new friends and neighbors, whom she loved.  For 11 years, she excelled in what would become her greatest role, Grandma, where she helped raise and care for her granddaughter who was her world.  In 2017, she moved to Cedar Ridge, where she loved and was loved by anyone who she met.

      She was preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Bernice Hensley; husband, Austin Wade Gabel in 2006; and two sisters, Aline Reeves and Modine Scott.

      She is survived by her son, Stephen Wade Gabel; daughter-in-law, Rebeca Kay Gabel; and granddaughter, Lauren Paisley Gabel.

      There are no services at this time.

      Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

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    3 Condolences
     
    1. Susy Teague / August 9, 2022 at 7:26 pm

      Love and miss you Betty! You always had a smile a hug to give and a kind word to say! may you rest in peace❤️

    2. Jody / August 10, 2022 at 6:07 pm

      I’m will miss our weekly visits! I met Betty maybe 6 months ago while visiting CR Nursing Home. I felt like I knew her my whole life!
      We enjoyed talking about her past and of course her family. She was so proud of her son and daughter in law and had many Paisley stories to tell. I was fortunate enough to see Betty last week to say goodbye- hold her hand and give her a kiss. Goodbye sweet Betty.
      Rest In Peace.

    3. Marilyn Davis / August 13, 2022 at 7:51 pm

      My sweet angel. I will miss you dearly
      You were a second mother to me
      I will miss all the talks we had
      All the time we spent together
      Rest in peace Betty. I will never forget you

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