Mabel C. King

Mabel C. King, of 9402 Route 89, Trumansburg, passed away at her residence on Monday morning, November 3, 2008 at the age of 83.

Born on April 5, 1925, Mabel was the daughter of Charles S. and Ina Mae (Harvey) Crippen. After graduating salutatorian of her class from Trumansburg Central School in 1943 she attended Arnot Ogden School of Nursing, graduating with her RN degree in 1946. Shortly thereafter she accepted a nursing position with the Dodd Nursing Home in Ithaca. A few years later Mabel was employed by the Trumansburg Central School District as a School Nurse Teacher. No stranger to hard work, Mabel earned her BA in education while raising her family, and throughout her employment at the nursing home and the school district. Over the years Mabel was also involved with the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Mabel and her husband Robert E. King operated their farm on Kingtown Road as well as Barzilla's Barn Antique Shop. They especially enjoyed traveling in their camper together, searching flea markets and auctions for perfect treasures that would be fitting for Barzilla's Barn. Talking with patrons who stopped to peruse the antiques was truly a labor of love for Mabel. When Bob's health declined in 2000, Mabel stopped working at Barzilla's and devoted all of her energy towards making Bob comfortable. After Bob's passing on June 1, 2001, Mabel spent a great deal of time tending her roses and peonies and watching the birds, keeping especially alert for hummingbirds.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mabel was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Alexander Robert Boyce.

She is survived by three daughters, Alexandra King (Richard Albertsman), Christine (David) Houseworth, and Karen King (David Drumheller, Sr) all of Trumansburg; three grandchildren, Robin Houseworth (Joseph McGrath) of East Schodack, Sandra (Lewis) Boyce, and Schuyler (Annie) Madison both of Trumansburg; one great-granddaughter Ashley Boyce of Trumansburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will be present to receive friends from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, November 5th at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg.

Services will begin at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 6th at the First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses, 69 E. Main St., Trumansburg. Prayers of Committal will follow at Grove Cemetery.

The family asks those who wish to make a contribution in Mabel's memory to kindly consider Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.