Hope (Phillips) Gaebel

William Snyder Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | July 06, 2025

Hope (Phillips) Gaebel, age 74, of North Huntingdon, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Born on January 15, 1951, in Braddock, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Charlene (Baldwin) Phillips.

Hope was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Thomas J. Gaebel, and her brother Chris Phillips.
Hope’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored. She cherished every moment spent with them, whether she was doing crafts, sharing laughs, or leading their annual tie-dye and ginger bread house traditions. Hope was the heart of her home—a loving “drill sergeant” who kept Tom, Owen, and Kurt in line with her signature mix of yelling, firmness, and love.

She loved spending time with her friends—lunch outings, gym visits, and long chats were some of her favorite pastimes. A Disney fan and a lifelong lover of ice cream, she never passed up a chance to enjoy a chocolate/vanilla twist cone on her way home from the family’s Dairy Queen store.

Prior to retirement, Hope worked as a unit clerk at Forbes Regional Hospital. She was also an integral part of helping her family’s Dairy Queen business run smoothly—her presence and guidance were felt in every detail. A woman of deep faith, Hope was a dedicated member of Norwin Christian Church.

Hope is survived by her loving sons, Owen T. (Cheryl) Gaebel and Kurt L. (Melanie) Gaebel; her cherished grandchildren Bella, Emmelia, Eliana, and Alexander; her siblings Linda (Mike) Yatsko and Leonard “Skip” (Cathy) Phillips; her sister-in-law Kathy Phillips; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, July 12th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Norwin Christian Church, Barnes Lake Road, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Arrangements are entrusted to the William Snyder Funeral Home, Irwin. In lieu of flowers please honor her by donating to the Reflections of Grace Foundation.

For online condolences, please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.

Hope’s legacy of love and strong spirit will live on in all who knew and loved her.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Hope (Phillips) Gaebel please visit our Sympathy Store.

Originally published July 06, 2025.

Other deaths:
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