Mable Hubbell

Through the life of Mable Hubbell we are reminded that little value is found in the things we own, but that our greatest joy is found in loving those around us. She was a devoted wife and mother whose gift of hospitality spread to so many others within her reach. Mable believed in working hard, but she also made the time to enjoy life along every phase in her journey. With the love of her life by her side she worked extensively to unlock the keys to her familys past, giving future generations a timeless treasure. Mable will be deeply missed, but the memories she leaves behind will never be forgotten. The 1920s were a great time to be an American. Changes were around nearly every corner while prosperity was the dominant force. Jazz music, dances like the Shimmy and the Charleston, and crossword puzzles entertained us while the first Oscars were held in 1927. It was just as this time was gaining momentum that a young family from Muskegon Heights, Michigan, eagerly welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on May 18, 1921. Mable Ruth was one of two children born to her parents, Treat Centennial and Viola (Wilder) Davis, and was raised in the family home alongside her brother, Walter. Her father was self-employed as a handyman and farmer while her mother was a homemaker. For a time the Davis family moved to Pentwater, but they later returned to Muskegon. As the prosperity of the 1920s gave way to the dark days of the 1930s, countless Americans found themselves without work due to the harsh realities of the Great Depression. Families had little to go around, and the Davis family was no different. Mable enjoyed spending time with her cousin, often on double dates together, and she especially enjoyed dancing. She attended local schools and proudly graduated from Muskegon High School in 1939. Shortly after finishing school Mable found work at the Amazon Corporation and was thrilled to be able to support herself. After our nation became engaged in WWII on December 8, 1941, many of our nations industries discontinued their regular manufacturing work and began producing things needed in the war effort. During this time Mable began working as a machinist at Continental Motors where she remained for more than 30 years. It was at work that she met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Raymond Hubbell, and he was five years her junior. Ray was smitten with Mable and quite persistent in pursuing her, and true love won in the end. As a young man he raced cars at local dirt tracks, and Mable soon became part of his fan club at the track. With a desire to build a life together they were married on February 19, 1949. Over the next seven years Mable and Ray were thrilled to become parents to five boys: Thomas, Andrew, Robert, William and Michael. Both Ray and Mable continued to work at Continental Motors, she working first shift and he working third, which enabled them both to be home for dinner with their boys. At first Mable and Ray raised their boys in a house on Cutler Avenue in the Lakeside neighborhood, but by 1957 their family had grown to the point where they needed a new place. In 1957 they moved to the Big House on West Forrest Avenue that was perfect for their large family. It was originally built by one of Muskegons lumber barons, but it quickly became a place that was so special to the Hubbles. Many of Mables best moments were shared with her family. They loved traveling, and every summer they packed up the car and headed off to some national park or other site around the country. By the time the children were grown they had visited all 48 states, eventually making it to Alaska and Hawaii after they retired. Mable and Ray also owned a 23 foot cabin cruiser named Maybelle, and together they spent many a summer day cruising up and down the shores of Lake Michigan. Later in life Mable and Ray became interested in genealogy research. They eventually became top-notch researchers who are credited in Additions and Revisions History and Genealogy of the Hubbell Family as members who undertook major research. They were also members of the genealogy committee of the Hubbell Family Historical Society and traced their roots in this country all the way back to the year 1610. Together Mable and Ray traveled all over the country searching for cemeteries and lost information about their family. When grandchildren began arriving Mable was thrilled, and she cherished this role maybe even more than she did the role of being a mother. Her grandchildren loved coming to the Big House, and there was always plenty of room. Through the years several of the boys came to live in the basement that Mable and Ray converted into an apartment after they were grown, which suited Mable just fine. Saturday evenings Mable was sure to have a big bowl of popcorn and cold beer in the refrigerator for family or friends who stopped by. As her family and friends can attest, Mable was also an avid shopper who was always looking for a great bargain. When at home she loved reading. After 48 years of living in the Big House declining health for both Mable and Ray necessitated a move into assisted living. Ray died in 2007 and by that time Mable had fallen so deeply into the clutches of dementia that she wasnt even able to remember Ray anymore. Her last five years were spent at North Ottawa Care Center with continued visits and care from her family. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Mable Hubble brought so much happiness to the world around her. She was gracious and kindhearted, genuine and compassionate. Mable was blessed to spend nearly 60 years with her best friend, creating a family legacy that is to be admired. Life will never be the same without Mable here, but the timeless wisdom she passed on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will remain important pieces of her in their lives. Mable R. Hubbell died Monday, August 27, 2012. Mabels family includes her sons, Thomas L (Nancy) Hubbell of Lapeer, MI, Robert S. Hubbell of Holt, MI, William (Mary Ann) J. Hubbell of Virginia Beach, VA, and Michael R (Terri) Hubbell of Grand Haven, MI; daughter-in-law, Aretta Hubbell of North Muskegon; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Mable was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond in 2007; son, Andrew; and brother, Walter Davis. Services will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Visit with Mables family on Saturday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.