Mabel L Richards

Mabel was born in Kentucky, on October 09, 1919, to Joe Thomas Nelson and Maggie Bell Davis. She was the youngest of 5 children. She attended local schools in the, Spotsville, and Central City areas. After completing the 9th grade, she had to quit school and go to work. She worked for the Blue Bird Restaurant where she met Lovel (Jack) Richards who was serving in the Army. In 1943, they married.

Around March, 1944, Mabel moved to Hanford, California with her Husband and infant son to join her Husband’s family and became a part of the Guernsey farming community on Kansas Avenue. She often spoke of starting the Guernsey 4-H Club to give the local kids something to do and to learn more about the farming way of life.

About 1955, Mabel moved with her family to Morro Bay. She went to work at a local restaurant, cleaned houses, and was a cook in other households to supplement the family income. While in Morro Bay, Mabel was a member of the Women of the Moose Lodge and developed a love for fishing. For years Mabel fished off the piers in Morro Bay as well as the Kings River.

Around 1971, Mabel moved her family back to Hanford where she became a bartender for Local establishments such as The Sequoia Club and The Long Branch. Most will remember her and the Little Lady who needed a stool to see over the Bar.

Mable was also a Lifetime member of the Women’s Auxiliary Unit 3 of the American Legion Post 3. She took pride in representing the Auxiliary. She showed her pride and loyalty with her fundraising. She loved raising funds to help their programs. Knowing her efforts was not only helping the American Legion, but the Sons & Daughters of the American Legion. Wherever she went, she was selling her poppies for the Legion. For raising the most money, Mabel received a certificate of recognition in 1999, 2000, and 2002.

Mabel’s family was important to her. She made sure they had everything they needed. As her children grew and had families of their own, it was important that her grandchildren new who she was. Mabel was a feisty little lady who lived her life her way, and if you disagreed with it, that was too bad and she’d be sure to let you know it. She loved a good bout of words with anyone.

Mabel was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Maggie Nelson, brothers James and Herbert Nelson of Kentucky, sisters Leora Bean of Louisiana, husband Lovel (Jack) Richards and sons Harlan and Larry Richards of California, Nieces Dorthy and Reatha Nelson of Kentucky, Nancy Nelson of Indiana, Nephew William Nelson of Mississippi.

Mabel is survived by her sons Edward Richards of Georgia, Marion Richards of California, Daughter-in-Law Terry Richards of California, Nieces Maggie Stone and husband Don of Louisiana, Ruby Nelson, Betty Nelson, Shirley Nelson, and Faye Nelson of Indiana, Nephews Junior Nelson of Mississippi, George Nelson of Kentucky and Steve Nelson of Oregon, grandchildren Lawrence Richards and wife Heather, Jacquelyn Richards, Angela Richards, Amy Leasure, Rochelle Miramontes, all of California, Wayne Holm of Iowa, Larry Gordon of Minnesota, Larry Stanton of Kentucky, and Kimberly Richards of Wisconsin, and several great-grandchildren, great-nieces and great-nephews..

A viewing will be held on Monday, February 10, 2014 from 5 pm to 7pm at People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA. The Memorial Service will be on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 12:30 pm, followed by the burial at the Grangeville Cemetery in Armona. A reception in her honor, from 3 pm – 6 pm, will follow at the Veterans Memorial Building, 401 N. Irwin Street, Hanford, CA 93230, upstairs.

Family and Friends may visit www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com to send flowers and condolences to the family.