Shirley June Gabel

Shirley June Gabel, 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Monday, November 27, 2017. Born in Los Angeles, California on August 22, 1927, Shirley attended UCLA where she met Warner A. Gabel Jr. They were married in 1950 and moved to Phoenix to franchise Blakely gas stations. Shirley and Warner raised four children, Warner III, Holly, Shelley, and Barry. A devoted and loving mother, she was an active supporter of her children’s various sports and hobbies from Cub Scouts and Little League to Brownies and gymnastics. Shirley also had many interests and accomplishments. She painted beautifully, loved gardening, and enjoyed bird watching. She played the piano and loved reading. Shirley was a dedicated volunteer, involved in many local charities including: Recording for the Blind, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix, and Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church. She loved to travel with Warner and they took some fabulous trips with YPO and wonderful friends. Warner Jr. passed away in 1980 at the age of 55. In 1982, Warner’s friends raised the funds to build a Gabel Boys and Girls Club in his honor. That Branch is now located at ‪1330 North 15th Street‪ in Phoenix. Shirley took on Warner’s passion for the kids at the Gabel Branch by spearheading an annual Holiday party for approximately 200 kids for the past 35 years. She also started the “No Cold Kids” a warm coat program for the neediest of children at the Gabel Branch and it’s still going strong. In recognition of her many years of volunteering, The Boys and Girls Club Board recently approved the renaming of the branch to the Warner and Shirley Gabel Boys and Girls Club. She was so very honored to have her name added alongside her husband’s. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and Howard Illo, her husband Warner Gabel Jr., her brother Gage Illo, and her granddaughter Carolyn Gabel. She is survived by her sons and daughters: Warner Gabel III (Kathy), Holly Rothermund (Karl), Shelley Menshek (Andy), Barry Gabel (Babbi), ten grandchildren: Ryan Rothermund (Lindsay), Elliott Rothermund (Grace), Emily Alcombrak (Robby), Hollie Simunovic (Sol), Melanie Bried, Jimmy Bried, Warner “Gus” Gabel IV, Christine Gabel, Katie Gabel, Collin Gabel and three great grandchildren: Nolan, Cole and Charlotte, and her 4th great grand baby due in March. Shirley’s bright, sweet spirit, left this world a much better place. Even at the age of 90, she still had her quick wit, great sense of humor, and her elegant ways. She will be greatly missed. Shirley’s memorial service will be held ‪January 12th at 2:00 P.M. at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, ‪6715 N. Mockingbird Lane, Scottsdale 85253. Reception to follow at Paradise Valley Country Club at ‪7101 N. Tatum Blvd. Paradise Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Warner and Shirley Gabel Boys and Girls Club of Metro Phoenix, ‪4309 E. Belleview Street, Bldg. 4, Phoenix, AZ 85008; Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church or Hospice of the Valley ‪1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, Az. 85014.