Celeste Lucile Blatchford, 88, went to her heavenly home on June 4, 2016 in Oklahoma City. She was born April 17, 1928 in Oklahoma City to Jared and Minnie (Morgan) Gabel. As the third of five children, she grew up in the house of seven Gabels. She attended Oklahoma City schools and graduated from Capitol Hill High School. She met the love of her life, a young sailor named Loren, at a carnival while riding the ferris wheel. He persisted, snatching a date, and their love story began. They married June 8, 1946 and made their home in Oklahoma City. Four daughters completed the family - Janice, Joyce, Lorna and Denise. Lucile lovingly cared for her family. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed sewing and making crafts, and loved playing cards and board games, always as a fierce competitor. She was well known for her sweet disposition and her delicious carrot cakes. A natural hostess, she wanted to feed everybody all the time. She loved family gatherings and took pride in her family. She was an exceptional wife, mother and grandmother who was deeply loved. A woman of faith and quiet strength, she was a longtime member of Mayridge Baptist Church.
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 65 years, Loren, and two brothers, Jared "J.J." Gabel and Jesse Gabel.

Survivors include her daughters, Janice Walker and husband Pat of Kingston, OK, Joyce Thrower and husband Darrell of OKC, Lorna Hall and husband Wayne of OKC, and Denise Ruth and husband Jerry of Alpharetta, GA; 10 grandchildren, Mike Walker and wife Ann of Tuttle, OK, Jeff Walker of Elk City, OK, Russell Bieger of TN, Christy Goodger of Yukon, OK, Rachel Kindred and husband David of GA, Sara Leonard and husband Rick of OKC, Diana Bullock and husband Michael of GA, Amity Edwards and husband Tim of Tulsa, OK, Josh Berkley and wife Morrisa of AZ, Matt Ruth of Edmond, and Kentrell Brown of Edmond; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Gabel of TX; sister, Vivian Madewell of OKC; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends.
 

The family wishes to thank Baptist Village and Integris Hospice House for their dedicated and loving care of Celeste.
 

Viewing will be Tuesday, 9am-9pm, with family present from 6-8pm at Mercer-Adams. Services to celebrate her life will be Wednesday, June 8, 10:00am at Mercer-Adams Chapel, 3925 N. Asbury, Bethany, OK with interment in Resthaven Memory Gardens.

 

Memorials may be made to Integris Hospice House or Mayridge Baptist Church.