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LONGMONT, Colo. - Mildred "Millie" Gamble, 78, died Oct. 9, 2008, napping in her favorite chair in her home in Longmont, Colo.

She was born in Trenary in the Upper Peninsula on Aug. 11, 1930. She was the youngest child of Eli Lampi, a Finnish immigrant, and his wife Sophie. She was valedictorian of her Eben High School class, received her bachelors degree from Northern Michigan University, and her master's degree from Colorado State University.

She and her late husband, H. Glenn "Skip" Gamble, and their sons, resided in Escanaba in the early '60s and she taught English at Escanaba High School until 1966 when they moved to Longmont, Colo.

Millie was a lifelong educator, teaching English in both Michigan and Colorado schools. A 1985 recipient of the Governor's Award for Excellence in Education, she also served as language arts coordinator for the St. Vrain Valley School District. Following her retirement, she worked for the Boulder County Commissioners, writing and editing the monthly Boulder County employee newsletter, County Comments, and interviewing and profiling honorees for the county's Circle of Honor award and publication. She worked in that capacity until she suffered a stroke in the spring of 2007. In May of 2008, she witnessed her grandson, Aleksandr Gamble, graduate summa cum laude from the Colorado School of Mines and her grandson, Nathaniel Gamble, graduate from high school.

Millie was preceded in death by a newborn son, Jeffrey in 1961; oldest son, Kevin in 1963; and ex-husband, H. Glenn Gamble in 1991.

She is survived by her sons, Brian Gamble and Daniel Gamble, both of Longmont, Colo.; Brian's wife, Gaylene and their sons, Aleksandr and Nathaniel; a brother, Reynold Lampi of Marquette; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were handled by Howe Mortuary and Cremation Services, Longmont. Memorial services were held on Oct. 17, 2008, at Harvest Church, 7493 Old Mill Trail, Boulder, CO 80301.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Longmont High School Education Foundation (for the benefit of the English Department), 1040 Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501.