Barbara Ann Gabel

Barbara Ann (Samples) Gabel was a believer in Jesus Christ and a woman of prayer, a life-long learner, a craftsperson, and a gracious servant.

She was born on March 9, 1938, to Hubert and Elizabeth (Frazier) Samples of Montgomery, Kanawha County, WV. Barbara was the oldest of five siblings and grew up in a large and close family of uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins. After graduating from the West Virginia Institute of Technology in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree, she worked at the National Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C.

She married Donald Gabel from Keokuk, IA, on December 15th, 1961. After starting their family in Washington, D.C., they lived for a few years in Denver, CO, eventually moving to Green Bay, WI, where the family settled for many years. Barbara taught math, biology, and chemistry to middle and high school students; was an active member of her church; and participated in the American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters, bridge club, and curling club. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, and time with family and friends. She encouraged her children to become true followers of Jesus, beyond only attending church.

In 1987, she moved to Arnold, MD, where she again taught math to middle schoolers, was a science fair organizer and judge, and caught the quilting bug from her fellow teachers. During the summers she took on extra challenges, like grading standardized tests and participating in a short-term NIH research fellowship.

In 2000, she retired and relocated to Arden Hills, MN, moving in with daughter Jennifer's family. She was a gracious live-in grandma—never critical, ever helpful. She cooked, babysat, assisted with homework, and much more. She spent her spare time reading (especially mysteries, history, and biographies), knitting, and turning out quilt after beautiful quilt. With her sewing prowess, she made dresses for granddaughters (and their dolls) and was occasionally enlisted to repair sails and pontoon boat seat covers! She traveled frequently to visit Lee and Amy. She also traveled with her children and grandchildren to places such as England, Germany, Ukraine, and Iceland. Barbara spent much of 2004–2008 in Boomer, WV, helping her sister as her parents grew more frail. She was a congregant of Elim Church, Minneapolis, for twenty years, where she participated in Sunday School, Bible study, book club, and helped with the Unlimited clothing ministry.

Barbara Gabel passed away at the age of 87 on Monday, June 30, 2025, in St. Paul, MN.

Grateful for her life are her sister, Jane Elliott of Boomer, WV; Barbara’s three children: Lee (Anne) Gabel of Watertown, SD; Amy Gabel of Green Bay, WI; Jennifer (Brian) Turnquist of Arden Hills, MN; nine grandchildren: Samuel (Mikayla) Gabel, Jonas (Courtney) Gabel, Paul (Dani) Gabel, Eve (Brandon) Kolb, Maria Gabel, and Berit, William, Noah, and Linus Turnquist; honorary grandson, Levi Gustafson; and four great-grandchildren: Ellie, Silas, Irena, and Isadora Gabel.

She was preceded in death by her former husband, her parents, and three brothers: Ron, Gene, and Donny Samples.

Her faith was evident in how she lived day-to-day. Barbara is remembered as a great mom, spouse, and grandma who tirelessly and lovingly fulfilled her family responsibilities, balanced with teaching, community involvement, and pursuit of learning. She’ll be remembered for her Christmas buckeyes, her quilts, her calm spirit, and her kindness.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

September 19, 2025

Mill City Church 685 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA

A luncheon will follow.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services