« Return to Obituaries | Print
Funeral: 11 a.m. Sunday, September 10, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Saturday (September 9) and 10-11 a.m. Sunday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Johnsonville
Mabel Pauline Hufhines, age 82, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully Friday evening, September 1, 2017, at Heritage Woods in Flora.
She was born October 16, 1934, in Wayne County, the youngest of 5 daughters born to Francis Asberry and Versa Idola (Miley) Hufhines.
Mabel spent her early years on the family farm near the present location of Sam Dale Lake, and was a 1954 graduate of Cisne High School. She worked jobs at Henson’s Grocery, Jaco’s Dime Store, and went on to complete a 27-year career in bookkeeping at 1st National Bank in Flora. She was a longtime member of Community Christ Church, helping with many meals and activities over the years. She is remembered for bringing the spirit of Christmas to children when she portrayed Santa Claus during the holiday season, and how she offered her time and support in the daily lives of others including friends and family who relied on her as the seasons of life passed. Mabel warmly reminisced about sharing lots of fun, laughter, and love with her family and friends.
She is survived by 2 nieces: Kay (Randy) Miller of Johnsonville and Linda (Jim) Kirkpatrick of Kansas City, Missouri; 5 great-nieces and nephews: Dee Ann (Richard) Hoover, Jenny (Collin) Swearingen, Alex (Zana) Gustafson, Ryan (Jamie) Gustafson, and Nick (Sarah) Gustafson; 7 great-great-nieces and nephews: Nathan and Kate Hoover, Madison and Spencer Swearingen, and Corra, Stella, and Gracie Gustafson; as well as a number of special friends who were truly like part of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; 4 sisters: Imogene Hufhines, Genevieve Dunaway Wenzel (the late George Dunaway and Fred Wenzel), Frances Jeanette Dean (the late Oscar), and infant sister Barbara June.
A funeral service for Mabel Hufhines will be held 11 a.m. Sunday, September 10, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Johnsonville. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Saturday and 10-11 a.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Brush Creek Campground and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory with the family, visit www.frankandbright.com.
Jul 21, 1931 - Nov 18, 2024
Nov 15, 1940 - Nov 9, 2024
Sep 5, 1961 - Oct 31, 2024
Nov 14, 1941 - Oct 30, 2024
Nov 28, 1936 - Oct 29, 2024
Kay I am so sorry, she was a wonderful person. I pray that God will watch over you and your family threw this hard time.
For many years Mabel and Imogene were our neighbors. When Jennifer and Meredith were little girls she would sneak into our screened porch and knock on the French doors on Christmas morning and wave as two very surprised girls were opening their gifts. They remember "seeing Santa" to this day. When the girls were playing in the back yard they would sometimes sneak across the alley to Mabel and Imo's to get some candy....unbeknownst to me. They were such lovely neighbors and friends. She, her kindness, her dedication, her generosity, her care for others and her unique sense of humor will surely be missed at Heritage Woods, her church and her many friends.
Mabel always had humor and teasing for everyone. She made being in her presence a great joy. One always felt accepted and better for a few minutes with her. Her smile and mischief brought life to everyone. When you knew Mabel was nearby, you went to her for fun. Thank you, God, for blessing all of us with Mabel.
Mabel was my aunt's table buddy at Heritage Woods and Mabel was a great friend to aunt. May she rest in peace. She was always smiling. A great lady.
Mabel and I worked together for many years at the bank, in bookkeeping. So many good memories!! May she rest in peace - she will truly be missed by so many.
Mabel was a tablemate to my Aunt Donnie. I truly enjoyed my conversations with her. She was always smiling and joking. My Aunt Donnie absolutely loved her. She was a bright spot in her day. Mabel could always get my Aunt to laugh and smile. She had me laughing out loud more than once. She never lost her good humor. She will be greatly missed by me but especially by my aunt who always told me "Mable is good company." You all have my sincere sympathy. I only knew her for a short while and my Aunt and I will miss her greatly. I can only imagine how much her family will miss her.
September 3rd Mabel has a special place in our heart. I worked with Mabel for several years at First National Bank in Flora and her sister (Imogene) babysit for our two daughters. Mabel was our Santa for many years and when we got to visit with her in July she was still laughing about the time that she was at our house playing Santa and Jerry was taking pictures of her and the girls and he called her Mabel instead of Santa, thank goodness the little girls didn't catch on. Her sense of humor was a blessing to so many people. Mabel was a wonderful example of God's goodness in this world and we will all miss her very much.
Mabel was a wonderful, loving, and caring lady. She could always make me laugh. She will definitely be missed by her family and many friends.
So sorry for this loss. May friends and family know the comfort of those around them. God bless
Sweet, funny, Mabel, you are greatly missed! It was an honor to serve you at Heritage Woods.
I worked with Mabel in high school at Jaco's. She was such a friendly person. I saw her at Heritage Woods recently. She was dressed up in her centennial dress. Glad I saw her and talked to her. Very sorry for your loss.
Miss Mabel was a wonderful, beautiful, funny, kind, caring, amazing lady. It was my privilege to care for her this past year or so at Heritage Woods. She was always smiling and cheering on others. She is loved by all of us and will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear of Mabel's passing. She was a good hearted lady.
I went to school at Cisne High School with Mabel. I am sorry for your loss. She was a friendly sweet teenager. Sorry but I haven't seen her since I graduated.
Sorry for your lost. She was a very sweet lady. I was a cna at Heritage Wood's. I enjoyed talking with her every morning. She will be missed.
I became acquainted with Mabel during my dad's brief stay at Heritage Woods. She was do kind and uplifting for both of us. She will be missed by many
Heaven rocked a bit Friday night as Bernadine and Mable reconnected with their unmistakable laughs. I remember when the "Hufhines Girls" moved into the house behind us--the neighborhood cookies improved! Over the years Mable played Santa for my boys (although David insisted that he always knew it was Mable). She was there when mom was in the hospital and always showed her generosity and kindness. I know she will be missed in Flora, but welcomed in heaven.
Wow. Mabel will certainly be missed. I will forever miss her loving teasing. I remember Mabel being Santa at church when I was little. I think the budding social activist in me loved that Santa was a woman at our church. She was someone who was always intentionally present, supporting church activities, and loving people as only she could. I grieve with you in this loss. I'm sorry I won't be at the services. Much love.
How did I not realize she was Santa, with that ever-present twinkle in her eye?! Mabel and Imogene always sat behind us at church, and I enjoyed her mischievous personality that was nothing but kind-hearted. Grandma Marva has enjoyed Mabel's friendship at Heritage Woods. She will be missed by many!
I grew up in the church with Mabel, and worked with her at Jaco Variety Store during my high school days. She was, indeed, one of the most wonderful, caring, people I have had the opportunity to share a part of life with. I am so grateful. I know everyone she knew was richly blessed, as well. Peace and blessing.
Mabel was a very special lady to me and my family through the years!! She always had a smile on her face and could put one on yours. She will be greatly missed! Rest in The Fathers arms Mabel!! With Love.
I've known Mabel a long time and had the privilege of taking care of her mother and then her. Kay, you and your family are in my thoughts.
I met Mabel about a year ago while visiting my mother at Heritage Woods. The Thursday afternoon bingo game always so much fun because Mabel would yell "Bingo" at all different times and of course she was just joking. We had several talks after she found out her diagnosis and she was completely at peace with her decision to enjoy her time left to the fullest. The smile and the joking continued and nobody would ever guess she was so sick. I admired her so much and will remember her infectious smile .
Mabel Pauline Hufhines was a classmate of mine at Cisne Community High School, Class of 1953. She was a better person than me at the time. Mabel has completed her journey and I'm still on the road of life, but we are all family who look to our Savior Jesus Christ. To all who look to Jesus, we can say with the Poet, "All the boundless Universe is Life, there is no death." Until we meet again, or see y'all later. Lowell (Fred) Ayers, ELDER, COMMUNITY OF CHRIST 2623 W. French Place, San Antonio Texas 78201 210-737-1228
RIP. A nice woman with a big heart.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
