Veola M. Gabbard, age 102, called Vee by family, friends and neighbors all her life, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 5, 2026. She was born on September 29, 1923, in Yemassee, South Carolina, the daughter of Andrew & Laura (Hern) Holt.

Vee grew up in North Carolina in the days of the big depression and experienced many hard-ships; however she felt richly blessed. Vee married Alfred Lee Gabbard on January 31, 1947. Mostly, she was a home maker and worked beside her husband on their farm in the Lonetree area. She also worked outside of the home as a waitress, salesperson, cashier and bookkeeper when necessary. She was a loving devoted wife and mother. Always there to support her family in every way. She took part in various school activities when her children were young. She always attended church when able. She was active in church work, teaching Sunday school classes, leading BYF, and teaching Bible school. She was very active in the Missionary Society both local and state for many years. She was a member of the Nine Mile Community Church, where she enjoyed worship and fellowship with her church family. She also enjoyed visiting and fellowshiping with friends and neighbors who were like family to her. Vee was kind and always happy to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

Vee is survived by her children: Danny (Linda) Gabbard of Linton; Beverly Dorraugh of Linton, Carla Friestad of Arizona; brother, Pete Holt of North Carolina; sisters, Sylvia (Dennis) Jackson of North Carolina and Peggy (Don) Ward of North Carolina. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; seven spouses of grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; four spouses of great-grandchildren; fourteen great-great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Vee was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Alfred Lee Gabbard; parents, Andrew and Laura (Hern) Holt; loving step mother, Mary Holt; sons-in-law, Dannie Jenkins, David Friestad and Jim Dorraugh, step daughter, Phyllis Hamilton; four Holt brothers - Lewis, Andrew, Odell and Wallace; sisters-in-law, Jane, Margaret, Billie and Myrtle as well as one special sister Barbara (Holt) Baughman and her husband Thetis Excell Baughman.

Vee lived a long and happy life. May she rest in peace at Jesus' feet.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton of Walton Funeral Service, Inc on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Burial will follow at Walker Cemetery in Jasonville, Indiana.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 am until time of service.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.welchcornett.com