Janice Lee Gabbert

Janice Lee (McLeod) Gabbert September 23, 1949-June 27, 2023 Janice was born in Flint, Michigan to Carl and Norma McLeod. She joined her brother, Larry, and sister, JoAnne, followed by sister Beth. The family moved to southern California and ultimately settled in Riverdale, where Carl had a Ford dealership. Her horse Bucky, and later her cherry red Ford Falcon Sprint carried her on her adventures. After graduating from Riverdale High School, Janice attended Fresno State University. There, she joined Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, where she met lifelong friends, and earned her bachelor's degree in English and teaching credential. In 1972, while student teaching, she married Ernie Gabbert. The couple resided in Visalia, California, where Mrs. Gabbert taught third grade at Crestwood Elementary school until Amy came along in 1976. Janice kept the books for Ernie's businesses, raised her children, and worked as a reading and substitute teacher. In 1992, Janice started teaching reading at Green Acres Middle School until her retirement in 2005. Jan enjoyed cooking, learning and perfecting new recipes, especially for her Ernie. An avid reader, she loved Ann Tyler books, Scrabble, and had a way with words. She had always shown talent for art, drawing, painting and crafting. In retirement, she discovered a passion for quilting and joined the Valley Oak Quilting Guild, where she met her "Twisted Sisters", who shared in the joys and frustrations of the exacting artform. Janice and Ernie enjoyed traveling together, throughout California, especially Carmel and Lake Almanor, and the U.S., several times to Ernie's childhood home in Lewisport, Kentucky. Janice is survived by her daughter, Amy Gabbert, son Buck (Adrienne) Gabbert, granddaughters Mollie and Gracie, her sisters JoAnn Camp and Beth Morton, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernie, her parents, Carl and Norma, brother Larry McLeod, and granddaughter Sierra Gabbert. A memorial service will be held Friday July 14th, 2023 at 6 o'clock in the evening. The location is Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave, Visalia, CA 93277. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Janice Lee Gabbert

September 23, 1949 - June 27, 2023