Visitation:  Sunday, January 2, 2010 after 3:00pm with the family present from 5:00-7:00pm at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford.

Funeral:  Monday, January 3, 2010 at 10:30 am at Union Memorial Church in Milford.

Gwen Noble, daughter of Hugh and Matilda (Neilly) Anderson, was born in Estherville on July 27, 1925.  She graduated from Terril High School and AIB College in Des Moines.  Gwen married the love of her life, Bob Noble, on February 17, 1946, and they made their home on a farm west of Milford.  

Bob and Gwen raised their five children, Linda, Bonny, Ruth, Gary and Bobbi, on their farm west of Milford.  Gwen was always busy with the children, cooking for friends and family, and helping out on the farm.  She patiently passed on her gifts of being a loving and devoted wife and mother to each of her children.  And, she even convinced her sons-in-law that she could "hear the corn grow".  

In 1975, Bob and Gwen moved to a home on West Okoboji, then later to Milford.  They enjoyed their retirement years to the fullest, traveling all around the United States and to Ireland.  They regularly entertained friends and family and Gwen could whip up a delicious meal on a moment's notice for any unexpected guests that dropped in.  She and Bob loved being surrounded by their many friends and family, and you could regularly hear the laughter from their home all the way down the street.  Bob and Gwen spent many winters in Tucson, AZ, where they kept up the love and laughter they were known for in Milford.  

Gwen's 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren were also her pride and joy.  She kept up on all their activities, especially when it came to boyfriends and girlfriends.  She wanted each of them to be as happy as she and Bob.  She loved babysitting and greeting the grandkids after school with warm hugs and delicious treats from the kitchen.

Gwen and her cat, Lucy, continued to travel to Arizona every winter.  She enjoyed the warm weather and all of her long-time friends in the Western Way Park.  Among her many interests, Gwen was an avid reader, enjoyed playing cards and was proud of her Irish heritage.  After some persuading for the first visit, one of her favorite activities became going to the spa with her daughters and granddaughters.  Gwen also treasured her morning coffee and Friday night get-togethers with her closest friends.  

Gwen passed away peacefully in her home on December 29 with her children at her side.  Her warm hugs and kind spirit will live on in the loving memory of her children, Linda (Tim) Hemphill, Bonny Swart, Ruth (Dwayne) Jacobs, Gary (Conni) Noble, Bobbi (Mike) Schmeling; her grandchildren, Jill Hemphill, Jeff (Cassidy Hofmeyer) Hemphill, Chris (Tammy) Swart, Steve Swart, Kimberly (Kirk) Noethe, Brent (Mandy) Swart, Ben Jacobs, Cassie Jacobs, Nate (Heather) Noble, Dusty (Crystal) Noble, Autumn (Bret) Long, Bailey (Kayla Rettig) Noble, Tyler Schmeling, Krista Schmeling and Kaylee Schmeling; her great-grandchildren, Koa Hemphill, Catherine Swart, Elizabeth Swart, Amber Swart, Blake Swart, Corine Noethe, Peyton Noethe, Samantha Noethe, Judah Noble, Ezra Noble and Aylia Noble.  Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; parents, Hugh and Matilda; brothers Abe and Ed; and son-in-law Bill Swart.  May her memory be eternal.