Mabel Williams, 94, of Basalt, died May 9, 2008, atColumbine Manor in Salida.

Mabel was born Dec. 31, 1913, to Henry Clay and JeanettaKittle in Hoisington, Kan. The family moved to Glenwood Springs in 1918 wherethey settled in at Spring Valley, then later moved to Basalt. There she met andmarried Bob Williams of Meredith. They raised their children in and aroundBasalt. Bob died in 1986. Mabel moved to Silt in 1996 and then to Salida in2002.

Mabel was an avid gardener and plant lover. She spentmany hours growing common house plants as well as exotic plants in hergreenhouse. She was a woman of many talents, writing poetry and short stories,mostly for children. Mabel painted and could build anything out of used lumber,including playhouses for her kids and treehouses for her grandchildren. Sheloved being outside. She won many ribbons at the fairs for her pickles, jelliesand hand-crafted projects. She would always say, "I can hardly wait formorning so I can start a new project." She loved spring, but May was herfavorite month because "all things are new."

Mabel was one of six children; her twin May Oretta, JackFerguson of Carbondale, Elsie Hopkins of Glenwood Springs, Art Kittle ofMassachusetts, Elden Kittle of Basalt and Glen Kittle of Basalt preceded her indeath along with two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Mabel was the mother of four children, Kendon (Joni)Williams of Rowlett, Texas; Terry (Mary Ann) Williams of Buena Vista, Arlia(Vess) Quinlan of Mesita, and Jana (Marvin) Aeschliman of Grand Junction. Shehad 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild aswell as numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services are planned for Friday, May 16, atFairview Cemetery in Basalt at 11 a.m. Rifle Funeral Home has been entrustedwith the arrangements. A reception will be held immediately following at the ElJebel Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations toAngel of Shavano, P.O. box 1168, Salida, CO 81201.