Martha Newby Gamble Obituary

Martha "Marty" Gamble passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024, in Torrance, California, at the age of 85.

Born in October 1938 to W.D. and Lucille B. Newby of Alva, Oklahoma, Marty was raised in a home that valued education, community, leadership and character. Her father was a Mayor of Alva and an accomplished football coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, while her mother taught English at Alva High School. Marty carried those values with her throughout her life.

She attended the University of Oklahoma (OU), where she was a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega, eventually serving as chapter president her senior year. She graduated with a degree in Medical Technology - a reflection of both her intellect and sense of purpose.

In 1961, she married Jim Gamble, whom she met at OU. Together, they embarked on a life of adventure, beginning with service in the U.S. Air Force where Jim flew transport planes. Their time overseas in the U.K., Frankfurt, and Ankara ignited Marty's lifelong passion for travel and culture. Her daughters Wendy and Misty joined their journey as they eventually settled in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, when Jim began flying for Continental Airlines.

For over six decades, Marty was the heart of her family and a vital part of the Jim Gamble Puppet Productions team, managing marketing and international tours with poise and precision. Beyond the company, she poured her energy into supporting the arts and her community.

Marty had an enduring love for music and theatre and gave generously of her time to organizations including the Peninsula Committee for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Friends of LA BioMed, the Portuguese Bend National Horse Show Committee, and Las Madrecitas. She was also active with the South Bay Alpha Chi and PEO chapters, as well as singing with the Treblemakers and participating in book clubs. She cherished her friendships formed through these circles and found joy in planning travel, attending cultural events, and giving back.

She loved visiting her daughters in new cities as they moved around and especially loved spending time with her grandson Atticus, rooting for him in the stands as he continued the proud family tradition of football. While her travels took her across the globe - to every continent but Antarctica - her heart always returned to Alva, a place of fond memories, favorite adventures and good friends.

Marty is survived by her daughter Wendy Gamble, son-in-law Chris Moustakas and grandson Atticus Moustakas, from San Francisco, her daughter Misty Gamble, from Canyon, Texas, her brother-in-law Jerry Gamble and his wife, Jane Jayroe Gamble, from Oklahoma City, and her longtime friend Dr. Peter Barrett from Rancho Palos Verdes. She will be remembered for her grace, intelligence, humor, and unwavering support of those she loved.

Her ashes will be interred with her parents at the Alva Municipal Cemetery in Oklahoma on July 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., where family and friends will gather to honor a life well lived.