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In Memoriam
Leah Rae Gobel
Leah Rae Gobel passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on February 4, 2023 at Enloe Hospital in Chico, CA surrounded by her loving family. Born in Colusa, CA on September 21, 1936 as Leah Rae Hale, she remained a life-long resident of Williams, CA, attending local schools and graduating from Williams High School in 1953. She married Lorin Gobel in 1953 and they welcomed three sons: Leo, Don, and Tim.
She lived most of her adult life on the Gobel Ranch in the foothills west of Williams with her family, where they raised sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens, and goats as well as farming dry land grain. A lover of animals, she always had dogs and cats. For many years, they hosted the Gobel family Easter Reunion and Egg Hunt, where one could witness the children scrambling through the fields behind the ranch, searching for Easter eggs and prizes.
Numerous friends and family will remember her amazing and continuous smiling face at the Williams Post Office where she was employed for several years. She became Postmaster of the Butte City Post Office from 1989-1992. Then, she became Postmaster of Yolo Post Office until 2000, when she retired.
Retirement did not slow her down, as she loved to travel and to spend time with her family and friends. Her travels took her to Italy as well as on a cruise through the Caribbean. Each year she traveled to different states to attend the yearly conferences of the United Postmaster’s Association. She also attended the Williams Parkside Methodist Church where she sang in the choir for many years.
Leah Rae was preceded in death by her husband, Lorin, and her sons, Leo and Don. She is survived by her son, Tim (Debbie); sister Carol Neely (Jim); brother Bill Hale (Sharon); daughter-in-law Mary Agnes; grandchildren Jonathan (Kirsten); Jennifer Richter (Joe); Morgan; Jordan (Ashley); Nolan; and great-grandchildren Lauren Reese (James); Braden and Grayson.
Leah Rae will be honored in the Postmaster’s National Magazine (The Leader) and condolence cards will be sent from Postmasters around the country.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Sacramento Valley Museum. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 11am in Williams, CA at the Old High School Gym (Behind The Sacramento Valley Museum, 1491 E St).
Very sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace with our Lord.
Our whole family loved Leah Rae and were proud to be her cousin. She will be missed terribly. What a wonderful lady. What a blessing to know she is in heaven now with her loving husband, Lorin, and sons, Leo and Don. May God bless the family she has left behind and please fill us all with peace, strength, and comfort. Marla
What a beautiful tribute to her. Her beautiful smile and generosity were such a blessing to so many. I first met her when I was a kid and our family went to a high school football game in East Nicolaus where my cousin Lorin was playing for the Williams team. I think we were introduced after the game. Those Easter gatherings were a tradition that went on for many years, probably even before my time. I think at least 70 of them included me and then my family, meaning our kids and then grand kids. What great memories. If we weren’t related by blood, we were by love. She will be missed terribly. Sandy Nason Griffin
Leah Rae was one of the most positive women I have ever known. Never a negative word. I was blessed to know her. ❤️
It was a sad day when we learned of Leah Rae’s passing . We enjoyed many happy times that we spent with both Leah Rae and Lorin as we were classmates at Williams schools and later attending reunions with classmates. We rejoice knowing that Leah Rae is now with her Lord and we will be seeing her one day. Our love and prayer are with the family.