Carolyn Gamby
Carolyn Jo Gamby, 86, of rural Carey, passed peacefully on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, at Toledo Promedica Hospital following an extended illness.
On Oct. 11, 1935, Carolyn was born in Kansas, Ohio, the oldest of five children of the late Carl and Mary Rose (Nye) Frisch. She was raised on a small farm just outside of Kansas and graduated from Jackson Liberty High School in the class of 1953.
Growing up, Carolyn met a young gentleman, Richard “Dick” Gamby, who moved into town just down the road. Shortly after graduating, they were married on July 25, 1953. He served in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years and she was his partner in his career on his stops from Alaska to Japan. Together they shared 68 years of marriage, playing three games of Dominos every day and lovingly raising five children, Richard Jr., Stephen, Janet, Maryann and Mark.
Upon his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Carolyn and Richard returned home to Carey, where she became an active member of Our Lady of Consolation parish. She often helped there with the Rosary Altar Society and volunteered anywhere else she could. She also loved to decorate her home for every season, always going above and beyond to make the occasion feel special.
Having a green thumb, Carolyn and Richard had a large vegetable garden whenever they could. She also was an avid reader, enjoying a great novel that kept her on the edge of her seat.
For 10-plus years, Carolyn and Richard enjoyed a cottage they had up on Lake Erie, where all of her family loved to visit.
Most important of all to Carolyn was her family. She was very active in all of their lives and she cherished their time spent together. She especially loved when they would get the card games going. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, better known as “Granny,” they could have ever asked for. She was so deeply proud of all of them.
Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Richard Gamby; five children, Richard (Cindy) Gamby Jr. of Defiance, Stephen (Patricia) Gamby of Mt. Victory, Janet Gamby Keister of Delaware, Maryann (Dave) Fredritz of Carey and Mark Gamby of Carey; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Catherine Cassidy and Margaret Hammer, both of Fostoria; a brother, Carl Frisch Jr. of Lima; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Gosche.
Her family will greet friends from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, Carey. A mass of Christian burial will follow there at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Tom Merrill, OFM Conv., officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Carey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Consolation for masses and they may be sent to the church at 315 Clay Street, Carey, OH 43316.
Arrangements were handled by Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home in Carey.
Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.StombaughBatton.com.
