Glenda Sue Gabbard

Glenda “Sue” Lawson Gabbard, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away on August 12, 2026, at Silver Oaks Health Campus in Columbus.  Sue was born on June 9, 1939, in Hawkins County, Tennessee, to the late Foister and Stella (Livesay) Lawson.  Sue graduated from Clinch High School in Tennessee and attended Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.  On December 22, 1958, she married Elmer L. Russell in Rogersville, Tennessee, who preceded her in death on October 26, 1983.  Soon after their marriage, they moved to Columbus, Indiana, where they had two sons, Kevin L. Russell, who died on July 14, 2017, and Morley Russell of Columbus, who survives.  On June 1, 1985, she married Estal “Gabby” Gabbard in Columbus, and he also survives.

Sue never met a stranger.  She worked at Sears & Roebuck for more than 27 years in the appliance department where she made many friends and acquaintances there until her retirement.  She was not afraid of hard work and loved hopping on her mower and taking care of “the farm”, where she and Gabby hosted many picnics with friends and family.  Sue enjoyed traveling and loved gardening, always planting a big garden.  She loved sharing her produce with friends and family.  She will be remembered for her southern hospitality and her generous spirit.  She was so proud to be from her beloved state of Tennessee.

Sue accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Crossroad Church, where she was active until illness interfered with her attendance.   Survivors include her husband, Estal “Gabby” Gabbard; son, Morley Russell; sisters, Mildred Drinnon of Columbus, Carol (Ted) Johnson of New Market, Tennessee; a brother, Harold Lawson of Rogersville, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Alvin Stidham of Columbus; several nieces and nephews; and Gabby’s two children.  Sue was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Elmer L. Russell; son, Kevin L. Russell; sister, Darlene Stidham; and a brother, Heiskell Lawson.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Silver Oaks for their constant care and concern for Sue.

The Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at the Jewell – Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory, 3855 25^th Street, Columbus.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a service at 1 p.m.  Pastor Tracy McIntyre will officiate, and burial will be in Garland Brook Cemetery.  Visit www.JewellRittman.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.