ForeverMissed
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Dr. Janice F. Gable, 70, formerly of Konnarock, VA, passed away January 22, 2016, at her home in Westville, NJ.

Janice was born in Port Hueneme, CA, and grew up in Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana. After undergraduate study at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, she received her M.D. from Indiana University at Indianapolis, and interned at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL.

In 1971 Dr. Gable came to Konnarock in southwestern Virginia with her husband Rev. William Gable and established a solo rural family practice. Her 34 years of service to that community were exemplary. She had a patient load of about 5,000 people, and was available 24 hours a day. Working closely with the very committed Mt. Rogers Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, she conducted training sessions and served as medical director. Her office staff and area home nurses, also very devoted to good health care, always served with highest distinction and dedication. In this region, where hospitals and specialists are sometimes too distant when needed, Dr. Gable and her team did it all—from births and deaths to minor surgeries and emergencies of all kinds. And, yes, she even made house calls in her four-wheel drive.

“Dr. Jan,” as she was known, was also certified in geriatric medicine and in 2005 she accepted a position at a geriatric continuing care facility in Alexandria, VA. She retired to Westville, NJ, in 2013.

Jan delighted in many leisure activities, including piano playing, fine craftwork, and stimulating reading—but above all she enjoyed a lifelong love of gardening.

Jan is survived by sons Matthew Gable and Claude Gable, father James E. Fox, sisters Joyce Fox and Jean Fox, niece Beverly Richardson, and nephews Jacob Richardson, James Richardson, and Cole Fox. She is preceded in death by her mother, June Rommel Fox, and her sister, Judith Somer Fox.

Private family services will be held in Florida at a later date. Memorial donations can be made at cancer.org or to your favorite charity in her name.

January 26, 2016
January 26, 2016
Dr. Gable was a friend and a wonderful doctor to my family while we lived in Whitetop. She and Sister Sophie helped me with the birth of my son. She was a blessing to our community.
January 26, 2016
January 26, 2016
Thanks to Dr. Jan & Pastor Bill for inviting us to join the mountain community and for their years of service. We have been so blessed....especially for her attending our son's birth at our Konnarock home!!
January 26, 2016
January 26, 2016
Dr. Jan will be missed. All that new her loved her. I loved her very much. She was a great Dr. Loved our jokes when she called me, or when I called her. Rest in peace sweet girl.
January 26, 2016
January 26, 2016
Dr Jan will be missed. She was my doctor, and a great one, for many years and tought me many things as a "new mother" years ago that I use on my grandchildren now. She was always there when you needed her. I will miss knowng you are here.
January 26, 2016
January 26, 2016
My grandmother Nadie Parris from Damascus, VA would INSIST on seeing Dr. Gable. She wanted a woman doctor. My grandmother thought so much of Dr. Gable. I am sure all of her patients, colleagues, and family feel the same. I also wonder if her son Claude attended Marion Senior High School where I taught in 1987-1990.  My heartfelt condolences to all. Sonja Parris Seymore, Glade Spring, VA
January 26, 2016
January 26, 2016
Matt & Claude & Family: Dr. Gable was the pillar of our community for many years. Not only was she an excellent doctor, she was a good friend. She treated four generations of my family. She was always there for everyone. When she left Konnarock, she was missed more than she ever knew. She touched so many lives with her grace, understanding, knowledge and just so much more. I mailed her a clipping I saw in the newspaper about one of her sons a few years ago and she was so grateful. She was so very proud of both her sons. Our prayers go out to all her family and friends. We have so many wonderful memories of her.  She made an enormous impact in our community. She cared deeply about all her patients and staff. There were so many people that relied on her as their primary source of care. She was meticulous and caring and knew the inside of our lives. I agree with an article I read that said that she was a “Local Legend”. It was an honor and a privilege to of known her and had her in our lives. She will be missed and remembered forever.
Remonia & Becky
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Dr. Gable was a great person. She never got in a hurry when you went to see her, always would sit down and talked to you. She will always be remembered.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
It was such a pleasure working with Dr. Gable. She was always so lively and upbeat. She was an excellent doctor. They don't make them like her anymore. You will be truly missed.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
What an AMAZING woman. I can still remember being in awe of her and wanting to be just like her. She must have treated me and my 6 siblings for everything under the sun. She made a huge impact on so many people. Honored to have known her.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Dr Gable was a good Dr she took care of my grandparents.Bert and Ora Necessary and my other grandparents James and Virginia Cummings .and other family members. But I'll never forget she saved my life when I was young.I swallowed a star necklace and it got hung in my throat. She saved me and I'll forever thank her for that.she will be missed by many RIP DR JAN.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
I really admired Dr. Gable, because she cared so much for my mother who was a caregiver for my dad almost 30 years. She worry so much about her piece of mine and her health. She was a very caring person and went above and beyond her call. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. You had a great mother I really missed her after I moved out of the area and she will never be forgotten. I have a magazine with an article about her that I will always cherish
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Our family was so fortunate to have Dr. Gable care for us. She was one of a kind. She was not only our doctor, she was our friend. We will never forget her. Rest in peace, sweet lady.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
The best doctor ever, you could call her any time, day or night, she would never turn you away. In 1974 my son was 8yrs old and my daughter was 2yrs, she was our Dr. from then until she left, there will never be another one like her. My parents loved her as much as I did.She helped them so much. Heaven has gained a Special Angel.RIP.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Jan was a great Doctor she will be missed may she rest in the arms of Jesus
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
She was a great Doctor.She was very good to my family and everyone.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
This wonderful woman was the first Dr I remember taking care of me, whether it was letting my mom rush me to her in the middle of the night because I was too sick to be able to get to the hospital, or making house calls or just in general taking care of me and my Family. She passed away last night and the world will be a much darker place now that she has left it. Rest well Dr Jan Gable. Don't let Wanda Blevins give you too hard of a time on the other side. You will always be in my heart like a beloved family member and for so many families that you cared for you were just like one of the family.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Dr. Jan was such an amazing lady and an awesome asset to the Konnarock Community. She was a friend to all. She made a remarkable impact on that small community. Prayers to her family.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Dr.Gable was the best doctor I started going to her in 1974. She was so sweet and would take her time when she was seeing you. We had a lot of laughs together during her time at konnarock. I will have great memories of her.. I will miss her... Rest in peace.. Love you Dr.Gable..
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Best doctor I ever met. You could tell she really care about you and that meant everything to me. She was a very great lady and a remarkable person.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
dr gable was one of the sweetest ladies i ever come in contact with she had a heart of gold and then on top of that one of the smartest best doctors that ever hit the face of this earth loved and seen by so many of my family and i can just see mom and dr.gable when they see each other in heaven
love n miss you dr. gable
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Jan was a wonderful friend & Dr. She had a heart of gold & such a sweet laugh & smile. My family loved her very much & she will be greatly missed & they'll never be a more dedicated Dr. Rip Jan you will be in our hearts forever. Now you're getting your great reward!
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Such a kind hearted spirit and simply the best doctor. Dr. Jan Gable helped my family in so many ways. My thoughts and meditations go out to all of the people this amazing woman touched in her lifetime. I am a far better person having known her.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
She was a wonderful person and a good doctor!
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
My dad had started to see her before she even had the clinic. He would go to her house. When I was around 6-7 I took the chicken pox and following that a virus that caused me to lose the use of my legs. He took me to her and she diagnosed me and my regular dr. confirmed it. She then became my regular dr. until she left. She was missed more than she would ever know. All these tributes to her shows what kind of person not just a dr. but the friend she was to this community. Their has not been anyone who can take her place. Always in our hearts. She is smiling on us from a beautiful garden in heaven.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Dr. Gable was one of a kind and someone i will never forget.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Started going to Dr. Gable in 1976 and she was the best. Not only was she a Dr. but a friend. She was a dear sweet lady. She will be missed.   RIP
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Such a kind and caring person. Wonderful Doctor. She was so loved by the community. So sorry to hear of her passing. She touched so many lives and will be remembered and missed by all. Prayers for all her family and friends.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Dr. Gable was a wonderful person and a great Doctor. I went to her from 1974 until she moved. Loved her like a family member. So kind.  She held a special place in my heart . She gave me the news when I was expecting my son.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
So sorry to hear this for the family. I did not know her well, but I knew Matt and she produced great sons. May light perpetual shine upon her.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
I worked with her for years. We had a great team! We were like family...
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
i am sorry for your loss. i will pray for the family.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
My first "real" doctor. She was a very caring person and doctor.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
I grew up in Whitetop, Va, so Dr.Gable was my first doctor. I remember her as caring, kind, and always considerate of other people's feelings. She certainly blessed the community she served for so many years. Prayers for her family~
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Having met Jan in a lettering class at the local library it was months before I even knew she was a physician. Her kind spirt, quick wit, Midwestern sensibility and concern for people drew me to her. I quickly learned of her love of gardening and she bestowed on me the secrets to seed starting. We visited garden and garden centers together looking fir native plants to attract butterflies and other insects. Her love of birds led us to a couple bird call sessions and numerous texts about what native bird was feasting on seeds/suet in our yards. Her newness to New Jersey gave me the opportunity to share some of my knowledge of the area but we also went on many adventures. Jan did not shy away from adventure and learning; I am happy to say I was priveledged to go on various adventures with her. There are so many fabulous memories I have; I am grateful to have known Jan for the short time I did.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Dr. Gable was such a compassionate doctor. She always made me feel important. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of need
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Dr. Gable was our family doctor for about 30 years. We shall never forget her kindness and her excellent medical skills and have missed her tremendously since she left Konnarock. God is the great physician, and Janice Gable was one of his healing Angels. We are all blessed for having known her.
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Dr. Gable was a great physican and a great Friend. My prayers go out to all family and friends.
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Recent Tributes
February 25
February 25
It’s hard to believe you have been gone eight years. I just realized you passed in January then my mom in August. Wow big losses. I will love and miss you forever.
June 4, 2023
June 4, 2023
Dr. Gable, you are always my guiding light... Love you and hope to see you again someday. Your life made such a difference in mine and so many others, truly like Jesus... Forever missed! Rheda
January 27, 2023
January 27, 2023
Dr. Gable, you always come to my mind around the time of your going homer. I always think of you and the loving and selfless way you served my family and our community. In the words of Dolly Parton, I will always love you!
Recent stories
May 30, 2016

I once visited Dr. Jan  in Konnarock in 1976. I had been her classmate at Indiana University School of Medicine where she was outstanding in every way. She was exceptionally nice, caring and thoughtful.And a top student!  At Konnarock she  filled a great need. She was the only medical and health care there, but she could do it! (She could do anything) She did just one year of training after medical school. Today no one is allowed to do less than three. She went to Konnarock. That took great confidence and courage.  She told us of how she wanted her husband to deliver her baby. This was,  of course, not permitted at the area hospitals. Konnarock was definitely not the place to be if there were unexpected complications of a home delivery. So they went to a city where she had been getting prenatal care and checked into a motel. And what a "surprise."  The baby came suddenly  and Bill had to do the delivery as she had coached him. They then went to the hospital for  postpartum and newborn care. I believe it was their first child.  Everything went well, of course. Few motels have had planned unplanned  baby deliveries.

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