Sue Ellen (Gayler) Dobbels

 Sue Ellen Dobbels, 82, of 525 Grant St., Williamsport, IN, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024. Born on November 3, 1941, in Attica, IN, Sue was the beloved daughter of the late Oral and Evelyn Gayler. Her roots in the close-knit community of Williamsport shaped her lifelong commitment to family, friends, and service.

Sue graduated from Attica High School in 1959, and shortly thereafter, on November 14, 1959, she married the love of her life, Richard Dobbels. The two were married at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Attica, where they built a strong foundation for their family. Sue and Richard spent 64 beautiful years together, raising four children who became the pride and joy of Sue’s life: Brenda Layton (John), Marci Emery (Rick), Todd Dobbels (Chris Bowman), and Alicia Clevenger (Jeff), all of Lafayette.

A dedicated mother and nurturer, Sue poured her heart into her family, creating a warm and loving home for her children. Her compassion and caring nature extended beyond her own family as she dedicated many years to the care and development of others in her community. Sue worked as a classroom aide at Williamsport Elementary School, where she impacted the lives of countless children, offering support and guidance in their early years. Later, she drove the MAC van for the Williamsport Senior Center, ensuring that seniors in her community had access to essential services. Sue also opened her home to many children as a home daycare provider, offering a safe and loving environment for little ones while their parents worked.

In her later years, Sue found joy in working at the Williamsport Public Library, where she shared her love of books and learning with children through the story time program. Her time at the library allowed her to connect with people of all ages, sharing stories, and fostering a love for reading. The library was a special place for Sue, and she spent many happy hours there, surrounded by the books she loved.

Sue had many passions outside of her work. She enjoyed walking, often exploring the peaceful streets of her town, and found solace in the beauty of nature. Reading was another of her favorite pastimes; her home was filled with books, and she could often be found with a novel in hand. But most of all, Sue cherished the time spent with her family. She was a devoted grandmother to her three grandchildren: Carrie Kennedy (Adam) of Lafayette, IN, RJ Layton (Anna) of St. Louis, MO., and Jacob Butler of Lafayette, IN; her face would light up with joy whenever she was with them. Sue also delighted in her role as a great-grandmother, and her great-grandchildren—Jared, Lauren, Olivia, and Cooper Kennedy—brought her immense happiness in her later years.

Sue was known for her kind heart and her deep love for animals. Throughout her life, she cared for many pets, but she had a special bond with her beloved dog, Dinah, and her two cherished cats, Lucy and Shadow. They were her constant companions, offering her comfort and companionship.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Oral and Evelyn Gayler, and her sister, Leanne Borkovitz, with whom she shared a close and loving relationship.

Though she has left this world, Sue’s legacy of love, kindness, and service to others will live on through her family and the countless lives she touched. She will be remembered as a woman of quiet strength, unwavering devotion, and a heart full of compassion. Her memory will forever be a source of comfort to those who knew her.

In honor of Sue’s wishes, a private funeral mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Attica, IN was held. Private burial at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Attica, IN. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Williamsport Public Library, a place where Sue found great joy and purpose in her later years.

Sue Ellen Dobbels will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved, and her impact on her community will never be forgotten.