Shirley Anita Skains Gamblin, 78, of Llano died Oct. 29, 2015
Shirley Anita Skains Gamblin, 78, of Llano Texas, went to be with Jesus on Oct. 29, 2015. A memorial celebration is 2 p.m. Nov. 1 at First Baptist Church of Llano with Pastor Rick Cundiff officiating. Arrangements by Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300.
She was born in Beeville, Texas, on Oct. 8, 1937. She graduated in 1956 from McCamey High School, where she was a cheerleader, played in the band and sang tenor in the choir. She was also heavily involved in McCamey 4-H, receiving an award in the Texas State Fair 4-H sewing contest as well as serving as a regional and state planning representative.
Shirley married the love of her life, Rell Weldon Gamblin, on Dec. 28, 1955. Starting out in Midland, they also lived in Abilene, Sunray and as far north as Bixby, Oklahoma, before eventually settling to raise their family in Lake Dallas, Texas.
Shirley was the Lake Dallas Junior High secretary for more than 30 years. As an adult, she was involved in various organizations, among them leading Girl Scouts of America troops for many years, co-founding the Lake Dallas Stuff N’ Stitch Guild with longtime friends and participating in the Llano Women’s Culture Club.
She was a member of Lake Shore Baptist Church in Lake Dallas until relocating to Llano and joining First Baptist Church and the Llano Cowboy Church.
She is survived by her husband, Rell; children, Darwin and fiancée Kathy, Deborah and husband Joel and Tina and husband Jim. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Kadie, Carrleigh, Chance, Caroline and Jake; as well as great-grandchild, Nora, with little brother, Isaac, on the way. She is survived by two brothers, Billy and Eddie; sisters, Mary Alice and Joyce; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Her parents, Currie and Sadie Skains, as well as many dear friends and family, were there in Heaven waiting to welcome her home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s name to the American Diabetes Association. Shirley’s family would like to thank First Baptist Church of Llano as well as all of the great friends who have been so supportive during this time.
Email whhfuneral1@verizon.net with condolences.