Doris M. Gobbel

Doris Mae Gobbel
January 1, 1933 – October 11, 2025
Doris Mae Gobbel (née Wright) passed away on October 11, 2025 at the age of 92. She lived out her last days the same way she did the rest of her life: surrounded by family, living each day to the fullest, and telling the important people in her life how much she loved them.
Doris was born on January 1, 1933 in Baltimore, Maryland. She had the honor of having her picture published on the front page of the Baltimore News for being one of the first babies born that year. When Doris was very young, her mother died, so she was lovingly raised by her Aunt Lottie and Uncle Joe, growing up alongside her brother and sisters in Hampden. Against the backdrop of the Great Depression and World War II, these were challenging times, but she pulled much more than her own weight and worked hard from a young age. This forged in her a strong work ethic and selflessness which she was known for throughout her life. She spoke often of her fond memories from this time, including stories of dancing the jitterbug, cooking Sunday dinners with family, and having good times as part of her broader community on Hickory Avenue.
As an adult, Doris went on to travel the United States as a devoted and patriotic Navy wife, living in Boston, Philadelphia, Camp Lejeune, San Diego, and San Ramon. She loved hosting parties and was famous for her potato salad, fudge, and lasagna. Doris made a good life for her kids and instilled in them the same values which she held dear. Later, she made a career for herself at Erie Insurance Company where she ran the mailroom. She loved that job and her coworkers, retiring after 30 years.
Doris was a lifelong sports fan, and loved the Baltimore Orioles, the Baltimore Ravens, and Andre Agassi. She also loved playing sports herself. Doris was an avid bowler, going on to teach her children and grandchildren how to bowl. She was excellent at playing cards, especially Rummy 500 (she could still win a game even in her nineties!). And once video games came along, she was unbeatable in Space Invaders and Doctor Mario. Doris also had an abiding love for television and film, including her weekly murder mysteries and the movie "Gladiator."
Doris lived out her Golden Years in Golden California, cared for lovingly by her daughter and son-in-law Kim and Donnie, where she continued dancing, playing cards, making others laugh, collecting stuffed animals, playing slots at the casino, watching good TV, and traveling or hosting company to spend time with friends and family. She was blessed and overjoyed to celebrate many engagements, weddings, and births in her ever-growing family until the very end.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Carrie Mae Wright (née Taylor) and Rubin Chester Wright; her aunt and uncle, Lottie Ruby (née McCulloh) and Joseph Ruby; and her siblings, Carrie Arminda Swem (née Wright), Allen Everwin Wright, LaVerne Elizabeth Smith Bonomo (née Wright), and Richard Leroy Wright.
Doris is survived by her children Henry Donald Gobbel Jr. (Gail), John Carter Gobbel (Laura), and Kimberley Lynn Culver (née Gobbel) (Don); her sisters-in-law Joyce Wright (née Broyles), Wilma Wright (née Szeliga), and Jo Carol Counts (née Gobbel), and brother-in-law Buddy Gobbel (Sher); many nieces and nephews; and her beloved 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren and counting!
Doris will be laid to rest on October 23, 2025 at Historic Union Cemetery in Bakersfield, California, just steps away from her grandmother and several aunts and uncles. For those who are moved to make a donation in her memory, please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project.