Christine A. Gabel

The family of Christine Ann Gabel (Chris) announces her quiet passing surrounded by her family on April 5, 2011. Born in London, England, Chris moved to the US in 1956 with her, then husband, David Blackmon and has since spent the past 32 years with husband Donald Gabel of Colbert, Washington. Proud of both her British heritage and US citizenship, Chris often shared stories about growing up in England and adapting to American lifestyle. An avid card player and tea lover, Chris enjoyed her bridge club and family gatherings that centered around playing Hearts, Spades, and Pinochle. Following several years practicing real estate in Spokane, Chris and Don enjoyed splitting their retired years between their homes in Colbert, Washington and Tucson, Arizona. Chris is also survived by four children; sons Chris Gabel of Spokane, Cary Gabel and his wife Betty of Washougal, WA, and Steve Blackmon and his partner David of Seattle, daughter, Corinna Edens and husband John of North Bend, WA. Chris also enjoyed the company of her eight grandchildren: Cara, Nichole, Donald, Natasha, Nathan, John, Justin, and Brianna. Her extended family also included three great-grand children. Services for Chris will begin at 10:00AM on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 4305 N. DIVISION SPOKANE, WA with interment following the service at Greenwood Memorial Terrace cemetery.