Virginia Elizabeth "Beth" Gamble, 76, passed from this life on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care in Kansas City, Missouri. Beth was born on May 24, 1936, in Nevada, Missouri, to Ted and Eleanore Elefson. She grew up in Butler, Missouri, and graduated from Butler High School in 1954. Beth graduated with her associate's degree from Graceland College, Lamoni, Iowa, in 1956. That same day, June 3, she married Ron Gamble of Wichita, Kansas. The family lived in Spokane, Washington, for two years during which time their daughter Michele was born. In 1958, they moved to Wichita, Kansas, where their other children, Mark and Pam, were born. In 1965, the family moved to the Kansas City area, where Beth spent the remainder of her life. She returned to school and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from UMKC. For nine years Beth taught in the North Kansas City and Fort Osage School Districts, retiring in 1976. Following retirement, Beth enjoyed traveling nationally and internationally with her husband. She also enjoyed landscaping, reading, sewing, and homeschooling some of her grandchildren. Beth was an accomplished pianist, organist, and accompanist. Over the years she accompanied soloists, ensembles, and choirs. She shared her love of music with her children and grandchildren, taking obvious delight in their musical accomplishments.
Beth was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For the past 17 years she was a member of the South Crysler Restoration Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ. Over the years, Beth served not only with her musical gifts but also served as Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School staff, and pastor's wife.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Eleanore Elefson; six siblings (Lyda Graybill, Edward Elefson, Elbert Elefson, Don Elefson, Jean Stayton, and Alice Mohler); a son, Mark Gamble; a grandson, Brian Gamble; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Gamble. She leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Ron Gamble; and two daughters, Michele Thomas and husband Tim of Gloucester, Virginia, and Pam Burford and husband Dwight of Wichita, Kansas; sixteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three siblings (Vern Elefson of River Falls, Wisconsin; Kathryn Sacry of Whitehall, Montana; and Esther Hoover of Independence, Missouri; and many niece, nephews and other relatives. Services will be at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the South Crysler Restoration Branch, 16101 E. Salisbury Rd., Independence, MO 64050 with burial to follow in Lobb Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday evening at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055.