Norma J. Gamble
Jun 16, 1938 -
Nov 5, 2022
Cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully on Nov. 5, 2022, at her home in Wasilla, Alaska, surrounded by family.
Norma was born in Sterling, Ill., on June 16, 1938, to Walter and Eva (Kilhefner) Hines. The family moved to Tampico, Ill., when Norma was still little. When Norma was 10, her father moved the family to Coolidge, Ariz., for work. She made many friends there, including Gayle Cherry whom she remained friends with until her death.
In her senior year of high school Norma met her lifelong love Demoine Gamble at a Thanksgiving party in 1955. They would marry in a small ceremony on Feb. 15, 1957. The couple moved to Alaska right away where Norma lived with Demoine's parents while Demoine finished college at Arizona State University.
After graduating college, Demoine came back to Alaska and began work in construction throughout the state.
Norma and Demoine had two sons: James in 1959, and Kent in 1960 - her Irish twins, as she would say. After their boys were born the couple moved to Seattle, Wash., for a few years. After the 1964 earthquake, the family moved back to Alaska, where they would remain for the rest of their life together. In 1965, they welcomed daughter Janelle.
In 1969, with $10,000 and an office in their home in Anchorage, they took a chance and started Gamble Construction Co. That dream grew into a very successful business.
Norma's life was focused on her family and working the company beside Demoine.
Music was always an important part of Norma's life. She loved to sing and did so often in the home. Her children fondly remember her singing to them the folk songs of the day. She would become a member of the Sweet Adeline Chorus which brought even more singing into the house.
Norma was an avid reader and enjoyed doing the daily crossword puzzles, especially with her niece JoEllen on visits back to Illinois.
The family would spend many happy summers camping and fishing. One of her favorite places to go was Porcupine Island on the Kenai Peninsula. She loved to bring family and friends from Illinois to enjoy that beautiful place and spoke of those memories often.
In the winter months, most weekends were spent at the couples cabin at Alyeska. Lots of singing by the wood stove with her son Kent playing guitar, card games and always cribbage.
Norma and Demoine loved the warmth and beauty of Hawaii as many Alaskans do, and eventually made a second home there which they enjoyed sharing with all their family and friends. Many happy memories were made there including the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Norma was always looking for ways to give back. She became a hospice volunteer for many years and also would read on the radio for the blind. She was a lover of people and made friends where ever she went. She never missed an opportunity to tell her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that she loved them and how proud she was of them.
Norma's last years were spent enjoying time with her family and watching her great-grandchildren grow.
Norma was preceded in death by her mother, Eva (Kilhefner) Hines; father, Walter Hines; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Joanne Hines; nephew, Chris Hines; and husband, Demoine Gamble.
Norma is survived by her children, James T. (Irene Persson) Gamble, Kent Walter (Lisaclaire Hale) Gamble and Janelle (Mark) Hull; grandchildren, Kaley Elizabeth Harmon, Benjamin James (Sophia Cain) Gamble, Andrew Casey Hull, Shelby Heather (Trever) Garcia and Austin Christina Hull; great-grandchildren, Haven Grace Garcia, Tobias Andrew Grant, Archer J. Garcia, Logan Demoine Hull, Rhodes Benjamin Harmon and Desmond Cain Gamble; niece, JoEllen (Steve) Wetzell; and nephew, Doug (Chris) Hines.
There will be a celebration of life on Jan. 8, 2023, at 1 p.m., at Norma's home at 1535 N. Meadow Lakes Loop Wasilla, AK 99623.
The family would ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ancora Home Health and Hospice of Wasilla.
