Ila Virgene Knudson Gambles of Soda Springs passed away in her home Tuesday morning, September 7, 2010. She was the devoted wife of Milton B. Gambles and loving mother of Stephen, Robyn, Scott, and Richard.

Virgene was born in Preston, Idaho on March 27, 1932. She was the oldest of three daughters born to Virgil and Leah Knudson. She spent her elementary and high school years in Preston and graduated from Preston High in 1950. Of her favorite activities, she especially enjoyed dancing and cheerleading.

On May 14, 1951, Virgene married Milton of Swan Lake, Idaho, in the Logan, Utah Temple. She and Milton have spent the majority of their lives in Soda Springs. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. Her greatest love was working with the children in Sunday School and Primary. Virgene also enjoyed serving in the Logan Temple with her husband for 5 ½ years and made many wonderful friends. She had a strong testimony of the Gospel and always shared it with her family and friends.

Virgene loved being a homemaker in every aspect. She made everyone feel extremely welcome in her home. She was a good cook, and no one ever left hungry. She had a beautiful yard and flower garden. She loved to sing and enjoyed singing with the Harmonaires. She was very compassionate and had the talent of lending a listening ear and an understanding heart. Virgene loved serving others and always made everyone feel important. She especially cherished having her children and grandchildren around her and made everyone feel as though they were her favorite. She was always supportive of her family members and enjoyed watching them in their various activities.

Virgene is survived by her husband Milton. Also surviving are her children: Robyn (Chet) Hopkins, Scott (Mary) Gambles, and Richard Gambles. She has nine surviving grandchildren: David (Amber) Hopkins, Mandy (Joe) Camp, Amy (Trevor) Merritt, Brandon Hopkins; Ashley, Sarah, and Cassie Gambles; Heather and Braxton Gambles; seven great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Kiersten, and Coy Hopkins; Katelynn, Alyssa, and Presley Camp; Kailey Merritt; and two sisters: Janet (Blair) Seamons and Lynda (Boyd) Condie. She was preceded in death by one son, Stephen; two granddaughters, Heidi and Hailey Gambles; and her parents.

Funeral services were held Friday, September 10 at 12:00 Noon at the Soda Springs LDS Stake Center. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery in Soda Springs.