Ursula Ann Gribble

Ursula Gribble, 85, passed away on Tuesday April 7, 2015 at Ottawa Retirement Village in Ottawa, Kansas. She was born June 26, 1929 in Providence, Rhode Island to Mary E. (Sweeney) and Edward F. Bowe. Ursula grew up in Providence, and attended Holy Name Church and School. She attended the Leland Powers School in Boston, and studied communications and drama. While in Boston, Ursula met Bill Gribble, who was attending college. Ursula moved with Bill to the Kansas City area, and they were married in February, 1955. Ursula used her love of dramatics and teaching to establish a very successful preschool business in suburban Kansas City for many years; and touched the lives of many children. She also raised a family of 5 kids, supported Bill's music business, and never lost her faith, her love of the seashore, nor her wonderful New England accent. The many family summer vacations across the country won't soon be forgotten. In later years Ursula and Bill bought and sold older houses, and her trademark deco design of bright red front doors, black shutters and white trim can still be seen today on many properties in the Lawrence and Topeka areas. Ursula and Bill also spent time in Florida and Texas before returning to Kansas in 2010. Ursula was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Bill, who passed in May 2014. She is survived by her children: Dwight (Emma) of Madison, Wisconsin; Bowe (Tammy Campbell) of Pomona, Kansas; David (Linda) of Superior, Wisconsin; Gail of Topeka, Kansas; and Lisa Wood (Patrick) of Kansas City, Missouri; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A celebration mass of Mrs. Gribble's life will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ottawa, Kansas at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 24, 2015. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona. The family would like to thank all those who cared for mom and dad in recent years at ORV; and suggests memorial contributions in Ursula's name to: Ottawa Retirement Village, c/o Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ursula Ann Gribble please visit our Sympathy Store.

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