Reta Naomi Gabriel

Reta Naomi Gabriel, age 102, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, August 30, 2014 at McCrite Care Home in Topeka. Reta was born August 17, 1912 in Meriden the daughter of C. Leonard and Mabel Martin Higgins. Reta and her family moved to Topeka where she graduated from Seaman High School in 1931. She married David “Duke” Gabriel in 1931. He preceded her in death August 10, 1987. Reta was employed by Pelletiers Department Store as a telephone operator for several years. She also worked part time at the DT Gabriel & Son Lumber Co. which her family owned and operated. Reta was a member of several senior citizen dance groups. She volunteered for Topeka North Side VIP luncheons and was a member of O.U.R.’s club in Lawrence. Reta attended Grace Baptist Church. Reta was preceded in death by a son, David Gabriel June 22, 2014; a brother, Glen Sylvester and 2 sisters, Bernice Johnson and Eleanor Mae Dodder. She is survived by a son, Ronald (Roberta) Gabriel of Lenexa, KS; a daughter in law, Judith Gabriel of Topeka; 4 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 nieces and a nephew.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home, former home of the Gabriel family. She will lie in state Tuesday from noon – 5:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Penwell Gable Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Baptist Church and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at davidsonfuneral.com.