Obituary of Eileen Cora Gambrel

It is with much sadness to announce the passing of Eileen C. Gambrel. She died peacefully at the age of 74, on December 27, 2020 in Bay City, MI. Eileen was born in January 1945 in Omer, MI., to the late Frederick and Jennie M. Redwitz. She was born into a very large family of 10 and spent many years in the state of Michigan with her family and loved ones. She moved to Tennessee in 1988 and lived there until 2011, when she moved to Florida for a short time, before returning in 2013 to her home state of Michigan. Her first husband Jerry E. Woods died unexpectedly in 1968, and they shared 3 children, Jerry E. (Lisa) Woods, Randy S. Woods, and Chad E. (Kimberly) Woods. She had a common law marriage to Emerson D. Redwitz, and they shared a daughter, Heather D. Betancourt. Emerson predeceased her in 2006. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Carolyn O. Redwitz, Sheri E Perez, Evelyn A. Jozwiak, and Merry G. Stone; and many extended family members. Eileen met John W. Gambrel Jr. in the early 1980’s and were married in Tennessee in 1989. He predeceased her in 2009. They spent all of their time together and were each other’s best friend. They worked together in various careers over their many years together, with Eileen learning to drive a semi-truck so they could be together on the road. She loved cars, motorcycles, traveling, and nature. Her adventurous spirit meant she was always willing to try something new. She never knew a stranger and her door was always open. Her intense need to take care of and feed all stray and not so stray animals was admirable. She was even able to befriend a family of skunks who ate cat food and played with cat toys in her yard. We all have very fond memories of this. She was predeceased by her siblings, Velda J. Redwitz in 1938; Alda K. Whittkopp in 2009; Marilyn G. Redwitz in1940, Dorothy D. Redwitz in 1958; and Fredrick D. Redwitz in 1978. Following Eileen's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life is planned for the Spring/Summer of 2021. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy consider memorial contributions to their local Humane Society. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com. Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.