September 10, 1950 – July 3, 2026

On July 3 2026 a little bit of magic left this world.

Nicholet Iris Gamble was born on September 10, 1950. She came into this world in the same way she lived in it: on her own terms, a bit unconventional, and with a style all her own. Her mother, Tink Defilippi, was traveling with her family when the vehicle began having engine problems and they were forced to pull off the road in North San Juan, where she was born in a barn. She was delivered by her grandmother, Gertrude Sieman, who was a midwife. Nature was her first cradle, from her first breath she belonged the trees, and she carried that wild, gentle magic, with her for the rest of her life.

Her youth was spent in Grass Valley, growing up on Mill Street and later on Grand View Terrace, surrounded by siblings and many cousins. In her youth she was a proud member of Job’s Daughters and attended local schools. In seventh grade she met her future husband, Robert Gamble. She graduated from Nevada Union in 1968 and married Robert shortly thereafter. From this loving union came three children: Denise in 1969, Teraysa in 1971, and Scott in 1975.

She was a homemaker during the early years and spent much time with her husband Robert (Buddy) at the Nevada County Sportsman’s Club and at the Grass Valley Sportsman’s Club at Weaver Lake. Weaver Lake became one of her favorite getaways. She could sing like an angel and loved music and art. She had a passion for wood carving and painting, and her art remained a lifelong devotion. Her home was filled with carvings and hand painted items and whimsical little creatures she made for her grandchildren. Even in her final months, half finished pieces wait all about, proof that her creativity never dimmed.

Evenings were spent in the beautiful gardens her husband Buddy created at their home. She loved to dance, and there was always music playing in the house and a pot of coffee brewing. Her loving nature drew people to her, and all of her children’s friends considered her home a sanctuary.

Her deepest love in life was for her family. She remained close to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and would do anything for her babies. You knew you were part of her inner circle if she gave you a nickname; she was famous for her pet names for all those she loved. She loved fiercely, truly, and loyally, and would bend over backwards to help others. She mothered everyone, providing a kind of love that is beyond measure.

She spent her career working at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, from which she retired. She then spent her retirement rising early each morning, baking goodies for people, and driving around to visit her babies. She delivered treats and spent quality time with her kids and grands, and she could always be counted on to have treats for all of the dogs as well as the people. She was the heart of our huge clan, the one who would always be there if someone was in distress. She was an advisor, a healer, and a port in any storm. She had sunshine radiating from her very soul.

Nicholet was survived by her husband of 57 years Robert (Buddy) Gamble, Her mother Tink Defilippi, Her sister (cousin) Lauraine Vannoy, Her children, Denise Nichols Telford, (Michael Telford) Teraysa Hinson, (Bruce Hinson) Scott Gamble, (Traci Gamble) Her Grandchildren Azreail Gamble, Amber Nilsen (Sterling), Hailey Gomez (Justin), Marc Hinson (Ximena), Jade Jimenez, April Rauhuff, Cade Gamble, Kai Nichols (Jazmin), Frank Rauhuff, Chase Rauhuff, Justice Hinson (Josie) Great Grandchildren; Nicholet Duran, Ross Duran, Syrus Duran, Greyson Nilsen, Eva Gomez, Irah Hinson, Ophelia Gomez, and Maxi Hinson. As well as a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughters Elijah Marie Hinson and Charlotte Artis Telford, her father Julio Elio Defilippi and her brothers Robert Waltermire and John Defilippi.

She is the heartbeat, the quiet rhythm holding us together.

Not just strength, but sanctuary. Not just love, but devotion.

She is the force we turn to, the healer who mends, the teacher who guides.

She has been this way since the beginning, since always.

She is the protector, fierce and unyielding,

standing behind us when we are unsure,

lifting us up when the world weighs too heavily.

She loves completely, without hesitation, without condition.

The kind of love that gives and gives until it becomes something eternal.

She is small, but within her burns the strength of something without measure, something wild, something ancient.

A lioness wrapped in quiet grace, a warrior disguised in tenderness.

She is beautiful in ways that cannot be measured

not just in presence, but in spirit, in kindness, in the way she holds us all together.

She is the light when the world dims.

The steady ground when everything shifts.

She is the keeper of our stories, the force that binds us.

And no matter what happens, she always will be.