Phyllis Elaine (Anderson) GambleLivermore, CAPhyllis Elaine (Anderson) Gamble, formerly of Oxnard, CA, passed away peacefully at the age of 82, at her apartment in Livermore, CA, on October 22, 2016. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Phyllis' death was due to pulmonary complications.Phyllis, a farm girl at heart, was born on October 4, 1934, in Murdo, SD, later, moving to Mitchell, SD. At the age of 16, she married Vernneil Gamble, a marriage that lasted until Vern's death in 2004. In the late-1950s, Phyllis, Vern, and their young son, moved to Oxnard, CA, where she resided for 58 years. Phyllis took great pride in her South Dakota roots, Norwegian heritage, and being a Southern California "transplant."Phyllis was a life-long learner, earning her Associate of Science degree with the first graduating class from Oxnard College. She worked for Hueneme and Oxnard Elementary School Districts, as a crossing guard, noontime supervisor, school librarian, and teacher's aide for children with special needs.Phyllis had many favorites: lilacs, autumn, country-western music, any hue of blue, black coffee, Scrabble, owls, sweets, sweet-potato fries, feeding the neighborhood blue jay by hand, and watching "her" hummingbirds. She was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing and discussing Harry Potter books with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Phyllis particularly enjoyed the works of Robert Frost, Henry David Thoreau, and Ernest Hemingway. She treasured her family and friends above all else, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whenever they visited, her kitchen table was covered with homemade cookies and candy.During her time in Oxnard, Phyllis was an active member of the community, volunteering with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir, PTA, Band Boosters, election campaigns, US Voter Polls, US Census, and California State Employee Association. As well, she found time to embroider, write and publish short stories and poetry, take dance lessons with Vern, and play the piano, keyboard, and accordion. She participated in cake decorating, computer, and sewing and tailoring classes. Phyllis was also a certified SCUBA diver, licensed motorcycle rider, and licensed amateur radio operator.Survivors include her son Rodney Gamble (Susan) of Costa Mesa, and daughter Lynda Brekke (David) of Livermore; grandchildren Sheral Brekke, Sarah Marshall (Andrew), Brett Gamble (Sarah), Matthew Gamble (Sara); and great-grandchildren Rachel, Steven, Marcus, Jackson, Moose, Harrison, and Piper. Phyllis' eighth great-grandchild, Olivia was born this November. She is also survived by her brother Andy Anderson, and sisters Ellie Mechels and Patti Kost, all of South Dakota. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Vernneil Gamble; daughter Barbara Jean; sister Ivis Keith; brothers, Leland Anderson and Gordon Anderson. A private celebration of Phyllis' life will be held at a later date. Per her request, donations may be made to charity.