Leoka Sue Gamble

Leoka Sue Gamble, 99, of New Carlisle, IN passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Center

for Hospice Care - Ernestine M. Raclin House, Mishawaka, IN. She was born on April 7, 1925 in

Odon, IN to Annie Fern (Crossland) Mallette and Lewis Mallette.

Sue is survived by her son Gary (Pat) Gamble of Buchanan, MI, and daughters Marsha (Lewie)

Oldham of New Carlisle, Deb (Willow) Gamble of Ellsworth, WI, and Pam (Greg) Thompson of

New Carlisle. Sue was a loving grandmother of 15 grandchildren: David Gamble, Jenny

Johnson, and Chris Gamble-Williams; Jeff, Rob, and Tracie Gamble; Becky Oldham-Haltom and

Andy Oldham; Josh Gamble, Caitlin Bell, Tim Gamble, Laura Koeppen, and Mary Olind; Sarah

and Rachel Thompson. Additionally, Sue was the proud grandmother of 33 great grandchildren

and 7 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Annie Fern

(Crossland) Mallette and Lewis Mallette, her husband Chester Gamble, her siblings Loren

Mallette, Locia Marie Gamble, Jo Reeves, Ava Benjamin, Dorothy Conklin, and Joyce Mallette,

and her sons Doug, Bob, and Bill Gamble.

Sue was raised during the Great Depression, where she learned the value of resilience early on

in her life. Sue and Chester settled in South Bend, IN shortly after Chester’s return to the United

States after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Chester and Sue then made the

decision to start a dairy farm in New Carlisle, IN, which continues in the Gamble name to this

day. The farm became a tapestry of love and perseverance as they raised their children,

teaching them the values of hard work, kindness, and the importance of community. Sue was

faced with trials and tribulations with the loss of her youngest son who battled leukemia, her

husband who battled cancer, and two adult sons who battled cancer. Sue instilled in her children

the belief that even in adversity, one can find beauty and purpose.

Sue’s life was a testament to the enduring human spirit. She cultivated a legacy of strength and

warmth. Sue was not only a cherished daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend,

but a guiding light, inspiring all who knew her to cherish the bonds of family and the moments

that truly matter.

A graveside funeral will be held on 3/26/2025 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time at New Carlisle

Cemetery for immediate family members. A celebration of life will be held at Monroe’s Crossing,

7038 N Chicago Rd New Carlisle, IN on 4/12/2025 from 1:00-4:00 PM Eastern Time for friends

and family to gather and honor Sue.

The family would like to thank the Center for Hospice Care and staff members at the Ernestine

M. Raclin House for their outstanding care, compassion, and dedication to providing comfort

and support to Sue and her family members. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be

made to the Ernestine M. Raclin House in Sue’s memory.

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