Rita Louise Gambler

Rita Louise Gambler, 84, of Moravian House, Bethlehem, PA died Thursday, July 31, 2025 at St. Luke's Hospital-Anderson Campus. She was the wife of Roy A. F. Gambler, Jr. who died August 30, 1980. Born in Fountain Hill, PA, she was the daughter of the late Harold Curtis and Erma Margaret (Leonhard) Heimbrook. A 1959 graduate of Liberty High School, Rita continued her education taking the licensed practical nursing course offered by the Bethlehem School District at St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill. Rita was a licensed practical nurse for the Bethlehem Area School District working as a health assistant at the elementary schools for 11 years before retiring in 2003. Previously she was employed at St. Luke's Hospital and Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem for 23 years. She was a member of Edgeboro Moravian Church, Bethlehem, where she held many volunteer positions. A talented vocalist, Rita sang on the choir and taught Sunday School. She was a former chairperson of the altar flower guild and served as the nurse at Camp Hope a Christian outdoor ministry for people of all ages. She was a life member of the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons. She was an active member of the Old York Road Senior Center where she enjoyed making counted cross stitch wall hangings and the Moravian House Tenant Association where she organized and lead many bus trips. Rita played Junior Miss Baseball and was a stalwart fan of the Phillies and Eagles professional teams. Survivors: Sisters, Margaret E. Heimbrook of Ft. Collins, CO, Myra E. wife of Michael O. Jones of Nazareth, PA, Marcia J. Horning of Bethlehem; brother, Daniel A. Heimbrook and his wife Barbara J. of Macungie, PA; nieces; nephews; great nieces; great nephews and many friends. Service: A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. Please record a memory at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. Contributions: Memorials may be made in Rita's memory to the Edgeboro Moravian Church Music Fund, 645 Hamilton Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18017.