Mabel P. Drilling, 94, passed away on November 19, 2004 in Denton. She lived most of her adult life in Kalamazoo, MI and was preceded in death by her beloved husband Maurice George Drilling, who died on March 17, 1974. Mabel was born February 27, 1910 in Shelbyville, MI, and was the only child of William and Edith Pardee. She graduated from Plainwell MI Township High School and received a degree from Warner College of Beauty in Fort Wayne, IN. After working in beauty shops in Grand Rapids, Allegan and Kalamazoo, she joined the faculty of the American Beauty School where she taught cosmetology for five years. Mabel enjoyed great success as a cosmetologist for 55 years. She was the owner of the Hair Style Studio in the Oakwood area of Kalamazoo where many of her patrons called her "Peggy" and became her dear friends. She was a very creative and energetic person. She enjoyed traveling, woodworking and developing her property at Fawn Lake. For many years she was a member of Oakwood Methodist Church and the Pythian Sisters. In recent years, she lived at the Cross Roads Village in Portage, MI, and the Fairhaven Retirement Home and Good Samaritan Health Care Center in Denton, TX.

Mabel is survived by daughters, Ann Reban Enos and husband Richard E. Enos, of Denton, TX; Joyce Drilling Myers and husband Gale H. Myers of Hoffman Estates, IL; and Retha Jane Drilling Woods of Carrollton, TX. Grandchildren include Alicia Reban Sherman and husband John E. Sherman, of Reno, NV; Milena Reban Thompson and husband Clark L. Thompson, of Round Rock, TX; Christine Myers Rowley and husband Charles R. Rowley of London, England; and Lisa Myers Brockmann and husband John C. Brockmann, of Palatine, IL. Mabel was blessed with Six Great Grandchildren. A memorial tree will be planted in her honor at the Kalamazoo Nature Center.

A Graveside funeral service will be held at the South Martin Cemetery, in Martin, Michigan. Memorials may be made to Ann's Haven Hospice, VNA, 216 W. Mulberry St. Denton, TX 76201

Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements. Langeland Funeral Home in Kalamazoo, Michigan in charge of arrangements there: 616-343-1508.