OKEMAH, Oklahoma — JoAnn Ruth Gable, 97, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Heritage Villages in Okemha, Oklahoma. She was born on January 26, 1928, in Great Bend, Kansas, to John “J.L.” and Addie (Collins) Reed.
JoAnn married her high school sweetheart, John Ray Gable, on September 5, 1948, in Wichita, Kansas. They were married for nearly 70 years when he preceded her in death on May 24, 2018.
A dedicated homemaker, JoAnn also played an integral role in her husband’s many successful business ventures, primarily in the oil and gas sector. Their entrepreneurial journey began in 1950 with Gable Water Service in Plainville, Kansas, and continued with Gable Ready Mix in Hill City, Kansas, and Rocky Mountain Drilling Co. in Kimball, Nebraska. During the oil and gas boom of the 1980s, the couple owned Empire Oil and Gas, which was taken public and traded on the New York Stock Exchange, expanding their business operations across the country.
JoAnn had a vibrant personality with an ornery streak, was strong in her faith, and enjoyed a variety of interests, including shopping (especially for shoes), travel, and attending NASCAR races. In her earlier years, she graduated from beauty school, was a member of the Red Hat Society, and enjoyed ceramics and gardening. Above all, she treasured spending time with her family, especially visiting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived three children, Judy Kuhlman, Diana Martin and John Alan Gable; seven grandchildren, Codie (Melisa) Martin, Heidi Martin, John Alan (Jennifer) Gable, Tyler Gable, Jesse Gable, Cole (Victoria) Gable, and Brittan (Hannah) Kuhlman; eight great-grandchildren, Gavin Martin, Braden Martin, Scotlynn Martin, Grayson Martin, James Gable, Maverick Gable, Atlas Kuhlman, and Zeppelin Kuhlman; sister, Joyce Folsom; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and siblings, Elmer, Alma, Jesse, Walt, and Shirley.
JoAnn will be dearly missed by his family and friends who loved him very much.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with Pastor Troy Miller presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend. There will no visitation. Memorials have been designated to Shriners Hospitals for Children, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 29, 2025
