Rita Sue Gable

Rita Sue Gable, 74, North Manchester, passed away peacefully, from complications following a stroke April 14, 2021, at Parkview Home Health and Hospice, Fort Wayne. Rita was born in Wabash County Hospital Jan. 19, 1947, to Donald and Dorothy (Gurley) Gable.

Rita grew up on the family farm just north of North Manchester and in 1965 graduated from Manchester High School. She was active in Speech Club, Drama Club, Band and took as many art classes as possible. She attended Manchester College for one year before transferring to Indiana State University, in Terre Haute, to study Interior Design.

Upon graduation from ISU, Rita and her husband, Tom moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where their son, Jean Richard LeClerc, was born. A year later they moved back to Tom’s home state of Colorado. She was a staunch advocate seeing that her son received the education promised by the state of Colorado and always cheering him on at Special Olympics meets. Unexpectedly, Jean died at the age of 25, on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1995.

Employed by the University of Colorado, in Boulder, Rita worked as an editor, providing computer layout and design for student recruitment publications. Living most of her adult life in Colorado, Rita never tired of the majestic beauty and ever-changing scenery of “her Rocky Mountains” as well as enjoying many weekends attending stock shows, witnessing incredible abilities of real cowboys.

Instilled with a love for travel early on in life, Rita looked forward to the time when she could resume this passion. Upon retirement from CU Boulder, she travelled in her motorhome, accompanied by her rescue dog, Dalai. Participating in a reciprocating program, she volunteered in both national and state parks, in exchange for free campsite space. Of the many historical sites she encountered, her favorite experience was at Fort Sumter National Park in Charleston, SC, where she transcribed original correspondence from the early 1800’s regarding the planning and building of the Fort.

Rita moved back to Indiana to be close to family in 2010, eventually living on her brother’s farm until moving to Timbercrest with her dog, Canelo, in 2018.

The loving memory of Rita Sue Gable will be forever cherished by her brother, Norman (Laura) Gable of Nort Manchester; sister-in-law, Judy Gable of Elkhart; former mother-in-law, Nellie LeClerc and sister-in-law, Judy Gump of Colorado. Also surviving are nieces: Kris (Kurt) Weimer of Elkhart; Jenn (Greg) Couch of Fishers; Mandy Gable of North Manchester; and Sara Gable of Carmel; also, nephew, Matt (Robyn) Gable of Elkhart; and great-nieces and nephews: Elizabeth, Ben, Zoey, Isaac and Brooke.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jean LeClerc; her parents, Donald and Dorothy Gable; brother, Dennis Gable and niece, Michelle Gable.

Rita was a Gift of Life donor.

Family and friends may call from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Friday, July 9, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. with Chaplain Laura Stone officiating.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are designated for Fellowship of Churches, Attn. Thursday’s Child 410 North Market Street, North Manchester, IN 46962 or Special Olympics of Wabash County, 1166 Indian Hills Drive, Wabash, IN 46992.

The family of Rita Sue Gable has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.