WINNEBAGO — Anna Belle Gambrel, age 91, died Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Generations at Neighbor’s in Byron surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 20, 1932 in Rockford, Illinois the daughter of Wyllys and Anna (Christianson) Gross. She graduated from Winnebago High School in 1950 and from Rockford Memorial School of Nursing in 1953. She married Loren “Gene” Gambrel on March 26, 1954 at the First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago. Anna worked as a registered nurse for Rockford Memorial Hospital, E. W. Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI, the Michigan Red Cross Blood Program, and 25 years for the Rock River Valley Blood Program. Anna was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, IL. She was a loving wife and mother, always putting her family first. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for her son William and a Girl Scout Leader for her daughters Sonya and Susan. She liked to sew, cook, and follow her Chicago Cubs on WGN. She also enjoyed spending the last 60 years at the family cottage on Lake Waubesa. Anna was predeceased by her parents Wyllys and Anna Gross, and sisters Arlene Langholf and Artyst Alberts. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dr. Loren “Gene” Gambrel of Winnebago, IL; her 3 children: Sonya (John) Gambrel-Lenarz of Spring Valley, Wisconsin; William (Kathleen) Gambrel of Pecatonica, IL; and Susan Gambrel of Winnebago, IL; sister Alta Straley of Winnebago, IL and grandson Randall Lenarz of Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, IL with the Rev. Lisa Lopez-Meyer officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Monday, February 5, 2024 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant Street in Byron, IL. Burial will be at the Winnebago Cemetery. A memorial fund is established for the First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago, the Blackhawk Area Boy Scouts Council, and the Rock River Valley Girl Scouts.
