Donna Jean Gambrel, age 77, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, May 9, 2025, at her home.
She was born on November 20, 1947, in Effingham, the daughter of Donald L. and Helen Elizabeth (Brooks) Kemmerer. She was united in marriage to Curtis Michael “Mike” Venable on August 25, 1967, and he preceded her in passing on March 26, 1980. She later married Ron Gambrel Sr. on May 7, 1988, in Kentucky, and they have shared 37 wedding anniversaries together.
Donna spent 33 years in education beginning in 1969, teaching 6th grade and later becoming a Title I teacher and tutor, and then finishing her career teaching history. She took pride in leading extracurricular activities, such as coaching Scholastic Bowl, sponsoring student trips—including one to a Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C.—and assisting with the Junior High summer gifted program. Donna was also instrumental as a founding committee member of the first Flora Appleknocker event. Even years later, Donna could recall the names of her students and moments they’d shared, and she always enjoyed catching up when their paths crossed again.
She truly loved being outdoors. As an avid gardener, Donna spent countless hours tending to her yard, flowers, and landscaping, earning the “Yard of the Month” award three times—a reflection of her meticulous care. In her earlier years she enjoyed hunting, and her enjoyment of simply firing off a gun now and then stayed with her throughout her life.
Cooking was another of Donna’s passions, and her delicious cherry pies are something that Ron fondly remembers. She also expressed her creativity through beautiful embroidery, cross-stitch, and quilting, as well as her interest in refurbishing furniture.
The care Donna put into even the smallest things, and the constant love she gave to her children and grandchildren, remain lasting memories for her family. Donna enjoyed spending lots of time with her family, especially her grandkids, as she joined in their imaginative playtime adventures, with fun games, stories, and everyday items turned into props.
Donna grew up attending North Harter Christian Church. She was a past member of the Crimson Cuties Red Hatters.
She is survived by her husband: Ron Gambrel of Flora; a daughter: Kali (Ryan) Strong of Flora; 2 sons: Ron Gambrel Jr. of Geff and Scott (Morena) Gambrel of Salem; grandchildren: Lila Strong, John Strong, Cameron Gambrel, Nicholas Gambrel, Kenadi Gambrel, Dakota Gambrel, and Shane Spitler; a brother: Phil (Lavonne) Kemmerer; a sister: Janet (Mike) Barber; 2 nephews: Weston (Kimberly) Kemmerer and Austin Kemmerer; a great-nephew: Jacob Kemmerer; and a great-niece: Allison Kemmerer.
She was preceded in passing by her parents; a son: Jamen Venable; and her first husband, Mike Venable.
A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Private burial will take place at Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville. Memorial donations are suggested to a scholarship fund to be established in Donna’s memory, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
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