Janet Kay (Woods) Gumberts, 75, of New Palestine, passed away Aug. 20, 2014, at Community East Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born on Dec. 1, 1938, in Rushville, Ind., as the daughter of Robert K. Woods and Marjorie E. (Hendrix) Hulman.
She graduated from Morristown High School in 1956. She was introduced to Jacob C. Gumberts by her sister, and they married on June 12, 1959, in Fountaintown, Ind. After buying a home in New Palestine, Jake was drafted and they spent two years in Columbus, Ga., returning to their home place in 1962.
Jake and Kay quickly became fixtures in New Palestine. Kay was a lifelong active and devoted member of New Palestine United Methodist Church, having spent many of her younger years as a church secretary. More recently, she spent her time volunteering to help feed the homeless and delivering Meals on Wheels. She was also a soprano in the church choir for over 30 years. Kay was a loving and caring mother to her three sons, devoting herself to being a den mother in the cub scouts, spending the summers taking her boys to swim at the Miramar Club and fixing favorite meals such as dried beef gravy and biscuits, homemade potato noodle soup, tuna casserole, and a supper of scrambled eggs and pancakes. She also was known for her cheery face at the Frosty Boy Drive-In, which she co-owned and operated with Jake from 1983 to 1999.
Kay loved to spend time reading, knitting dishrags for anyone who wanted them, and tending to her lawn, her cats, and hummingbirds. Her greatest passion by far, however, was her grandchildren. When her moniker switched from Mom to Mamaw, she wore it proudly. The grandchildren were of utmost importance, whether it was a sporting event, dance recital, scraped knee or holiday meal. Her Christmas shopping was always completed by the first of October.
Jake and Kay enjoyed a trip to Hawaii to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Kay was fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, Europe and most recently Tanzania for a dedication/missionary trip.
Kay is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Jake Gumberts; three sons, Brian L. (Tammy) Gumberts of Morristown, Scott A. (Lisa) Gumberts of Morristown, Gregory L. (Karen) Gumberts of New Palestine; five granddaughters and one grandson, Casey, Carly, Brooke, Sarah, Audrey and Danny Gumberts; and sister, Patricia A. (Pete) Dersch of Fountaintown; and sister-law-law, Dolores McFarland of Knightstown.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; brother-in-law, Norman McFarland; and a grandson, Jacob Gregory Gumberts.
Visitation will be held from 2 until 6 p.m.on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, also at the mortuary with viewing one hour prior to the service. Pastor Mark Wesler will be officiating. Burial will follow at New Palestine Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital, 30 S. Meridian Street, #200, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or New Palestine United Methodist Church, 3565 S 500 W Road, New Palestine, IN 46163 or envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
