Mabel V. Hawkinson, age 99, passed away May 16, 2013 at the Ness County Hospital, Ness City. She was born July 22, 1913 on a farm near Clarksdale, MO to Opha and Emma Dyas Petty.

She married Victor Hawkinson on May 21, 1936 in Dodge City, Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 20, 1972. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Gilbert and Thomas Petty and her sister, Elva Morgan.

Mabel is survived by her son, Jon (Janice) Hawkinson, Ness City and daughters, Mary (Darrel) Moberly and Donna Gray (John Morss), both of Colorado Springs, CO; seven grandchildren, Vicki Moberly, Mike (Sue) Moberly, Kathy Moberly-Taylor, Jodi (Gary) Gantz, Jay (Cindy) Hawkinson, Scott (Jennifer) Gray, and Brian (Michelle) Gray. Twenty great grandchildren, Danny, Ryan, Richard and Randy Moberly, Kenny Melanson, Natalia Taylor, Wade, Colby, and Dalton, Gantz, Dal (Hailey) Hawkinson, Kylee (Matt) Kraus, Cole, and Becca Hawkinson, Brandon (Tasha), Kianna, Joel, Karli, Kyndal, Kipton, and Kellen Gray. Five great-great grandchildren, Rylin Moberly, Qiedyn Gray, Ambrosia and Wyatt Moberly, and Paizley Hawkinson.

Mabel lived an interesting and varied life. She went to Kansas City to work to help support her family when she was a junior in high school. She loved to play basketball and tennis and graduated from Shawnee Mission Rural High School in 1932. Shortly after that she was hired as a Harvey Girl, spending several years working in Kansas City, Gallup, NM, and the Grand Canyon, AZ where she met Jack Oakie while they were filming a western show. The El Tavor Restaurant in Grand Canyon is one of the Harvey restaurants still in use today.

Mabel came to Ness City with her brother, Gilbert, and twin uncles, Alex and John Dyas to help Henry and Alice Murdock with harvest. She met Vic there at the rock house they eventually were able to purchase two miles east of Ness City in 1943.

Mabel helped with all the farm chores, milking cows, slopping hogs, raising a big garden, canning, raising many chickens to dress and sell, and running the tractor. She loved to sew and was a very good cook.

Mabel was a good business woman, selling Rexair vacuum cleaners in the late 40's and early 50's. After that she sold Ironrite ironers for several years. She also sold securities and insurance. All while keeping the books for the farm and cattle operations.

She was a member of the JJJ Club in the neighborhood for many years. She always called it the Jolly Jabberin Jane's Club.

Family was important to Mabel and she enjoyed her "grands and greats" very much. The grandkids loved to see what was in her "junk" drawer.

She was a member of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints in her early years. In her later years she faithfully watched the televised service from the First Baptist Church in Ness City.

Graveside and inurnment service will be held at the Ness City Cemetery on Sunday, June 2, 2013, 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ness County Bank Building Foundation. Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at by clicking on the "Sign Guest Book" link above.