Irene (Hjelm) Gamble

Irene (Hjelm) Gamble of Moses Lake passed away on August 1, 2014.

Preceded in life by her husband of 49 years Earl Gamble who passed away in 1989.

Survived by three Children Gaynor (Roger) Edwards, Neil (Dana) Gamble, Sandra Gamble (Henry Field). Six Grandchildren: Stacey Dowton, Kelly Raap, Jon Gamble, Philip Gamble, Katie Johnson, and John Blackketter. Seven Great Grandchildren: Bailey Jo Heath, Juliane Gamble, Ezra Gamble, Cooper Raap, Jay Gamble, Jake Johnson and Luke Johnson.

Youngest girl of 11 children. Born in Dickinson, North Dakota in 1918, moved to Washington in the 1930's.

Irene married Earl Gamble on December 7th 1940, they ranched in Kittitas Valley until moving to Royal City in 1967.

While living in Kittitas, she owned and operated a beauty salon, "Irene's Beauty Nook" in Ellensburg Washington.

She and Earl ran a cattle operation in Royal City and Irene continued to have a beauty salon until they moved to Moses Lake in 1975, where she was a beauty school instructor.

Irene had a passion for golf. Even when her eyesight failed, she continued to play until she was 86. She taught and played bridge which was a favorite pass-time. She was the president of the Ladies Division at the Country Club. Earl and Irene owned a Roping arena where many people participated in roping events while also making many life-long friends. They attended the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma for several years before it moved to Las Vegas where they made yearly trips as committed fans.

Irene was very social and she valued her family immensely. She would organize reasons for the family to gather. She always cooked a big meal and invited everyone to attend. The kids were always encouraged to eat dessert first. She would use her special china for the simplest family function and always made birthdays special with that person's food request. She was known for her homemade bread which she made weekly until she was in her 80's.

She was mechanical and could fix anything herself. She was an expert seamstress and made all of her own clothes which were impeccable. She never left the house without makeup on and her hair done, even to do the ranching duties.

She was a rodeo queen coordinator for Miss Rodeo Washington and a Chaperone for the Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo Queens.

Irene loved to dance and many a gatherings ended with a song of "Goodnight Irene" and a waltz out the door. She knew the value of an ice cold beer and made excellent homemade wine. Earl and Irene's home was open to everyone to share a good meal, play pinochle, tell good stories and argue over politics.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday August 17th at Pillar Rock Grill "Moses Lake Country Club" from 1-4 pm. Join the family to celebrate Irene and share stories. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.