Frances Gayle Rabe                         March  14, 2023

Frances Gayle Rabe, 74, of Gordonsville, died on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from health complications. She was born on February 15, 1949 in Gordonsville, the daughter of Oscar and Frances Fitzhugh. Most of her working career was spent at Sperry Marine in Charlottesville where she worked for over 40 years. Most will remember her gift of playing the piano for church services, in a local band, The Cavaliers, and for many years of playing and directing the band for the Lions Club Variety Shows as well as Christmas at the USO shows, helping raise money for local charities. She also loved to watch sports, especially the ones that her son David coached, and cheer on UVA athletics.

She is preceded in death by her husband Richard “Dick” Rabe, and a sister Shirley Bradley of Orange. She is survived by her son David Rabe (Kasey) of Gordonsville, her step-children Katherine Rabe (Steve Hutchinson) of Free Union, Gwen Turner (Jeff) of Roanoke, Cameron Rabe (Ilyse Simon) of Red Hook, NY., and Paul Rabe of Richmond. She is also survived by her grandson Bodhi, and soon to be second grandson, as well as 6 step-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday March 17, 2023 at the Gordonsville Baptist Church with Rev. Kyle Clements officiating. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Holly Memorial gardens in Charlottesville.

Preddy Funeral Home of Gordonsville is handling arrangements.