Shirley Jean Gambold

Shirley Jean Gambold was born to Louella (Jackson) and Albert Graham on September 24, 1935, in East St. Louis, Illinois and passed away on February 22, 2025, in Apache Junction, AZ at age 89 after a period of declining health. Although Shirley’s growing-up years were spent moving to different places, she settled in Macon, Illinois where she graduated from High School. Shirley spent a lot of time as a child in the care of her beloved Aunt and Uncle whom she always credited with providing her with some of her happiest childhood memories. She loved playing outside and being with animals, especially dogs, and she loved her little sister, Dorothy, whom she always felt very protective over.

Shirley left central Illinois and lived in Colorado, California and Hawaii. She had three daughters when she eventually met Robert (Bob) Gambold, who had four children of his own. Undaunted (and naïve, they would later joke) they married in 1974. Shirley’s life with husband Bob was adventurous and entertaining as they traveled with his assistant football coaching assignments to Denver (Broncos), Houston (Oilers) and the University of Illinois and finally his last assignment with the World Football League’s Amsterdam Admirals. Following their stay in Amsterdam, they retired to their home in Chandler, AZ. Some of the best years of her life were spent with Bob in their little home on the Sun Bird golf course, especially during the time when sister Dorothy Graham and her husband Bill Knight lived a few streets away. Bob passed away in 2008.

Shirley’s life was filled with family. She was a pro at moving, making a new home for her family, and cheering on Bob’s football teams. She worked in banking and bookkeeping – her last job as bookkeeper at Basha’s grocery store in Sun Lakes, AZ., where she was well-liked by her co-workers and customers. Shirley made friends easily, a characteristic not attributable to all. At the news of her passing, messages were received from people across the country who all said some version of “she was so welcoming, warm and kind to me”. But Shirley was also strong, learning in her early life how to work hard and take care of what needed to be done.

More than anything, Shirley, like Bob, loved dogs. Every time they had to say goodbye to one (and there were at least 8) she vowed they would never get another because the pain was too great. But so was her love. Up until just recently, she took great pleasure in simple things, such as reading the newspaper cover to cover each morning with her coffee and watching sports on TV. She loved a dozen raw oysters, a cold Coors Light, and a good milkshake. Shirley had many mouths to feed over the years, and she cooked delicious food for her family and friends. Her banana bread recipe is being used in its third generation and her green jello salad was deeply loved by at least one of her kids.

Shirley was predeceased by daughter Traci (Cole) LoBianco and Traci’s husband Joe LoBianco, grandson Nathan Cole, nephew Scott Lancaster, and the love of her life, Bob. She is survived by daughters Cheri Ashcraft and Liesl Gambold and stepchildren Barry Gambold (Stephanie), Valerie Spalding, Victoria Buesser (Doug), and Robin MacDonald. She is also survived by siblings Dorothy Graham (Bill Knight) Carlton Dale Sharick (Louise), Bill Sharick, and Julia Sharick and by many adored grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Grandson Jeremy Cole (Chandler, AZ) was especially appreciated in Shirley’s life, helping care for her in later years and including her in celebrations with his family.

A Celebration of Life and family gathering is planned for Winter 2025 – location to be determined. In the meantime, put on some good music and dance, which Shirley loved to do. For information, contact [email protected]