Judi Gable, 74, of Akron, Ohio, died peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on February 11, 2017. Born February 21, 1942 in Charleston, WV, Judi is predeceased by her parents, Doris (Wine) and Paul “Mac” W. McDaniel and brother, Johnny Boggess.
Judi (known by her friends as “JAG”) most loved her family, taking care of her yard, her flowers, and decorating her home for every holiday. Spending time with family and friends were also Judi’s biggest enjoyment. She loved to host and entertain and frequently had parties at her house. A few of Judi’s hobbies also included crafting, doing her crossword puzzles, going to the casinos, and dabbling in her Instant Scratch-Off Tickets. In recent years, Judi and Dan spent a lot of time travelling to different states on bus tours meeting many friends along the way – Judi never met a stranger or someone she didn’t connect with.
Judi was a very strong, independent and motivated person. After high school, she had many jobs that held her interest which included working at the airport, modeling shoes, lifeguarding, and various other things to keep her busy while living in Florida. Upon her return to Akron, she reconnected with her future husband, Danny through mutual friends. Our favorite story of Dan and Judi is when Danny tried to steal Judi’s hubcaps off her car. Judi was not going to let him get away with that and chased him down until she got them back. The rest was history as they dated for five years then married on December 12, 1964 and had three children.
Judi was a wonderful homemaker while the children were growing up and was active in the Ellet PTA. Judi and Dan began to spend a great deal of time at the Ellet Pee-Wee Football field where Dan coached football and became the Director of the program while Judi worked tirelessly in the concession stand. Judi was involved with the Ellet Community and the Ellet Pee-Wee Football program for over 27 years alongside her husband, Danny. She was the face of the Pee-Wee Football concession stand and dedicated her heart and soul to the youth of Ellet. Through their tenure, they volunteered their service at the field every evening and Saturday afternoons; and then worked numerous bingos each month as well. When their service ended in 2007, Judi did not end her dedication to the kids of Ellet. She continued to volunteer at the Two-A-Days Football program at the high school. Judi was recognized in 2010 for the Akron Touchdown Club Foundation Award for all of her contributions, Judi also pursued her love in flowers and worked in various florists as a floral designer and obtained her Floral Design Certification at the University of Akron. Up until the month before Judi left us, she was a representative of our neighborhood for the City of Akron, voicing her concerns and opinions on the issues within the community.
Once diagnosed with lung cancer in June, 2016, Judi never gave up. She wanted to fight this disease because she was going to attend her granddaughter’s wedding cruise in October, 2016, and that she did! She never complained, maintained a brave outlook – even through countless radiation and chemotherapy treatments, x-rays, hospitalizations and a lot of pain. She continued to do everything that she could to maintain a “normal”, active life.
JAG is survived by her husband of 52 years, Danny L. Gable, her children, Danny “Ty” (Sondra), Jon (Robyn), and Jaylene Gable; five grandchildren Alex, Kali, Leah, Nikolas, and Payne Gable, and Great Grandchild Molly Gable. Judi also has two nephews Mark Wine and Derek McDaniel, and niece Dana Boggess.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16th from 4pm – 7pm at Newcomer Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 7pm with Pastor Harold Duncan of Eastgate Alliance Church officiating.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to honor Judi’s love for children.