Marylou Gamber

Marylou Gamber, age 71, formerly of Upper Sandusky, Ohio
passed away Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 8:20pm at the Fairhaven
Retirement and Healthcare Community in Upper Sandusky.

Marylou was born on December 25, 1939 in Carter County, Kentucky to Earl and Esther (Bradford) Smith, both of whom are deceased.
She married James A. Gamber on December 20, 1957 in Trinity United Church of Christ in Upper Sandusky and he passed away on August 1, 2007.

She is survived by 4 children, James (Jody) Gamber, Jr. of Big Springs, Lori Christine (Robert) Ballard of Galena, Jeffrey Gamber of Pickerington, and Johanna (Shane) Jacoby of Tiffin. 11 grandchildren, Johonna (Tommy) Williams, Benjamin Casey, Kyle (Jennifer) Jacoby, Jaclyn Gamber, Wes (Kara) Jacoby, Alex Gamber, Jack Jacoby, Logan Gamber, Luke Gamber, Jamie Ballard and Trinity Gamber along with 4 great grandsons, Thomas Williams, Joey Williams, Hudson Gamber and Lukas Jacoby.

Marylou also is survived by her siblings, Rosa Thiel of Upper Sandusky, Evelyn (John) Swanberg of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Charles (Vicki) Smith of Carey, Shirley (Carl) Swanberg of Michigan, David (Pat) Smith of Upper Sandusky, LaFern (Mike) Feuerstein of Columbus, LaVern (Nj) Idgunji of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Joy (Larry) Stager of Elida, Ohio, Laurie (Justin) Wagner of Upper Sandusky and Daniel (Ruth) Smith of Upper Sandusky.

Marylou was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Yvonne, and great grandson, Trenton Zachrich, and brother in law, Marcus Thiel

Marylou always knew she wanted to be a mother and that wish came true when they welcomed their first son, James a Gamber, Jr. Following the birth she became one of the first pioneer heart surgery patients. Lori, Jeff & Jodi completed the family. She was always proud of her children and their accomplishments. An avid sports fan, she loved watching her sons and her grandsons play football. Three of the children went on to follow in their father's footsteps and joined the Marine Corps as did two of her grandsons.

Marylou had a passion for life, a twinkle in her eye and a beautiful smile. She was also a button artist and had a flair for decorating. She believed in living each and every day to the fullest. She loved the simple things in life, spending time with family, treasure hunting whether it be at yard sales, antique shops or TJ Maxx. She loved rocks, daisies, the Wisconsin Badgers, Red Lobster and all things Christmas. Marylou overcame another major heart surgery, cancer and various other medical challenges in her lifetime but that did not stop her from enjoying life. She loved her husband, parents, 8 sisters, 3 brothers, 4 children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandsons and many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.


The family is happy and at peace in knowing that Marylou has joined her beloved husband Jim, parents Earl & Esther, sister Yvonne, along many with other loved ones and is now able to rock her great-grandson Trenton in heaven. Her heart may have been medically fragile on earth but there was no bigger, stronger, more loving heart in this lifetime or the hereafter.


A Celebration of Marylou Gamber's Life will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, April 23 at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Red Cross and can be sent to Lucas-Batton, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.