Vergie� E.� Gabbard, age 84, of Richmond, died Wednesday afternoon (August 27, 2008) at Yellow Rose Hospice at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.� She was born in New Castle on October 10, 1923 to Benjamin William and Lobell Clark Eilar and had lived in this area since 1941.� She had been president of ABC Building Maintenance and operated the business with her husband, Roy Gabbard, who died on August 16, 1999.� She was an active member of First Christian Church where she served as an Elder and as a Sunday School teacher.� Vergie founded the Wayne County Council for Retarded Children which later developed� Green Acres (now Achieva Resources) where she continued to serve as a Life Board Member.� She was recently awarded the Distinguished Hoosier Award for her efforts with the center.� She was an active volunteer with numerous other organizations including Adult Day Care and as a Study Buddy.�
Survivors include two sons - Fred Gabbard of Gaston, Indiana and Samuel Gabbard of Fountain City;� daughters - Connie Christie of Charlotte, North Carolina and Jennie Gausmann of Blue Ash, Ohio; five grandchildren, nieces and nephews.� �
A sister, Wilma Scholl, and a brother, William Eilar, are also deceased.�
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday (September 3, 2008) in First Christian Church (100 South 10th St)� Rev. Amanda Hines will officiate.� The family will receive friends following the service at the church.� Memorial contributions may be made to Achieva Resources, PO Box 1252, Richmond, IN 47375 or to Alzheimer's Association, 50 E. 91st St. Ste 100, Indianapolis, IN� 46209 or to the Fred Gabbard Fund % Wayne County Foundation, 33 South 7th St. Richmond, IN� 47374 or to a favorite charity.� Riggle - Waltermann Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. www.riggle-waltermann.com