Elda Lee Mowery Gabbard, widow of Thomas "Doodle" Gabbard, of Mt. Sterling passed away Thursday, May 20, 2021. She was a 93 year old born in Morgan County, Kentucky, daughter of the late Merle and Patricia Patrick Mowery. She was very involved in the community and was a longtime member of Gateway Christian Church. Elda worked for the Montgomery News for 7 years, the Mt. Sterling Advocate for 25 years as advertising manager, and for WMST Radio for 27 years. Elda received many awards during her time with the Advocate and WMST. She was also a member of the Sterling Rebekah Lodge and the Mt. Sterling Lioness Club, where she served as their president.
She is survived by a daughter, Linda Jackson (Darvin), a son, Thomas Barry Gabbard (Linda), 3 grandchildren; Adam Jackson (Malia), Amy Willoughby (James), and Mallory Dehart (Jon), 5 great-grandchildren; Ellie Kate Jackson, Josie Ann Jackson, Addie Mae Jackson, Bodhi James Willoughby, and Blakleigh Ann Willoughby, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Elda is also survived by her loving care givers, Larry and LaTisha McCarty. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Thomas 'Doodle" Gabbard, a son, Gary Thomas Gabbard, a brother, Billy Gevedon, and a sister, Anita Haney.
Her funeral will be 11:00 a.m. Monday at Herald & Stewart Home for Funerals, Pastor Glen Emory presiding, with burial to follow in Machpelah Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday.
Pallbearers are Darvin Jackson, Adam Jackson, James Willoughby, Tommy Taylor, Jon Dehart, Jim Gabbard, John Gabbard, and Mike Gabbard. Honorary Pallbearers are the Gateway Christian Church Family, her friends at WMST, Dr. Ronald Humphrey, as well as Eddie and Patsy Roberts.
Herald & Stewart Home for Funerals is entrusted with arrangements.