Van James Liggett

On June 1st, 2012 Van Liggett went home to be with the Lord with his family by his side. Van was born the sixth of seven children on September 12, 1928 to parents Thomas and Clara Liggett. He was born and raised in Hanford and attended Eucalyptus School and Hanford High. At the age of 21 he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Germany. Soon after he returned he met the love of his life Frances (Frankie) McClaine and they were married four months later on June 20, 1953. They established their home in Hanford where they raised their two daughters, Leslie and Lorrie. Van loved being outdoors which led him to a career as a foreman at the Lemoore Cemetery, where he retired after 35 years. After retirement he and Frankie enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. Whether it be with grandkids at sporting events or early morning coffee talks, Van always surrounded himself with good times and loved ones. Van never met a stranger.

Van was on the board of trustees of Armona Methodist Church, and was active in Relay for Life. His biggest passion was his family, he would often tell a waitress "look what I started" as she would seat his family of 14.

Van is survived by his wife of almost 59 years Frankie Liggett; his sister, June Barberick and her husband, Jack; brother-in-law Jerry McClaine and his wife, Lynne; his daughters, Leslie Elliott and Lorrie Lee and her husband, Gary; his grandchildren Megan Ruch, Erin Mayer, Courtney Ruch and Robert Smith, Cody Ruch and his wife Amanda; great grandchildren, Jacob and Nathan Mayer and Julieann Ruch (Little Missy) along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Van is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Clara Liggett, brothers, John, Milford, and Steven Liggett and sisters, Goldie Tennison and Lida Wilkinson.

A celebration of life will be held at Armona United Methodist Church on the corner of 14th Avenue and Hanford-Armona Road on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Armona United Methodist Church, PO Box 877, Armona, CA 93202 or American Cancer Society, 1443 W. 7th Street, Hanford, Ca 93230

Condolences may be offered at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to People's Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, Ca 93230 (559) 584-5591.