Obituary of Nancy K. Gumble

Nancy Killam Gumble of Tafton, PA died peacefully in her home on July 8, 2017. With her passing she leaves behind nine decades of amazing impact through her work, her family, and the care, laughter, and fun she shared with so many.

She was born August 21, 1926 in Hawley to Marcus (Fred) and Mary Killam. She was a direct descendant of Zadock Killam who was one of the pioneers who settled the Wallenpaupack Valley in 1774. Nancy was a lifelong resident of her beloved Lake Wallenpaupack area.

She was married to Harold Gumble who predeceased her in 1998. She is survived by Jane Gumble and husband David Schroeder of Stow, MA, Ned Gumble and wife Heidi of Keswick, VA, Nancy Burn Moffitt of Naples, FL, Steve Gumble and his partner Jacob Bomersback of Telluride, CO, and foster daughter Florence Peck of Honesdale. Nancy was blessed with 9 grandchildren: Brooke Huff, Adam Moffitt and wife Sara, Kyle Moffitt, Sam Gumble, Holly Gumble, Peter Gumble, Jake Gumble, Katy Gumble and Taylor Gumble, as well as 4 great grandchildren:  Kaylan Huff, Keely Moffitt, Alexander Moffitt and Paige Moffitt;  beloved niece: Denise Morgan; and beloved nephews:  Brian Williams, Dale Williams and Bill Gumble.

Nancy graduated Hawley High School in 1944. She received her degree in Health Education from Penn State University in 1948. She also received a degree in Physical Therapy from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Her professional career included positions as a physical therapist at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, and at the Long Island Hospital in NY. She spent the bulk of her career as a physical therapist for many different organizations in the Pike/Wayne area. Nancy was always very involved in the promotion of healthcare in her community. She was a charter member and past board president of the Wallenpaupack Area Medical Foundation which sponsored the first National Health Service Corporation doctor in the Tafton area. She also served as a board member of the following: Wayne Memorial Board of Trustees, Survivor Resources of Pike County, Victims Intervention Program of Honesdale, and Community Health Concern.

She was a founding member of the Wallenpaupack Historical Society, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a member of Paupack United Methodist Church, and a proud active member of The Penn State Alumni Association.

Nancy was a woman of her time and a woman ahead of her time. She was a medical professional at a time when few women were yet professionals. She was dedicated to her family, community and to her friends and colleagues of all ages. It is the end of an era.

As her final gift to her community Nancy Killam Gumble donated her body to research at the Penn State Medical School.

A Celebration of Nancy's life will be held on August 11, at The Waterfront at Silver Birches (formerly Ehrhardt's). Visitation will begin at 1 pm followed by a memorial service at 4. Please join the family for a reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers please honor Nancy with contributions to the Wayne-Pike Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, PO Box 522, Hawley, PA 18428 or the Tafton Fire Company, PO Box 5, Tafton, PA 18464.