Letha L. Hartsell Obituary (1934 - 2018)

On Friday, February 2, 2018, Letha Louise Hartsell, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to so many, passed away in Porterville, Ca. She was 84 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Evey Melton, siblings, Gladys Fields, Prentis Melton, Ruby Gray, and husband Charles Hartsell. Letha leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law Susan and Fritz Stieb, son and daughter-in-law Gregory and Danae Hartsell, grandchildren Nicholas and Christina Stieb, Derek Hartsell, Tanner and Gaby Stieb, Brant Hartsell, Hannah Hartsell, Caitlin Hartsell, Sidney Hartsell, Zachary Hartsell, Joel Hartsell, great-grand child Angela Garcia, and siblings Roscoe Melton and Rita Webb. Also, many nieces and nephews and longtime friend Don Skiles and family. Letha was born August 15, 1934 in Tulare, Ca. She grew up in Poplar and met and married Charles on December 24, 1955. Letha waitressed at Gang Sue's for many years while raising her two children. She and her husband purchased the Old Douglas Station in town. Chuck's Texaco and Hula Car Wash became their second business endeavor and then acquired the first AAA towing contract in Porterville. Letha was known for her extremely generous heart and treated most like family. She was outspoken and expressed her opinion even if you didn't want to hear it, but would also give you the shirt off her back. Letha deeply loved her children, grandkids, nieces and nephews. Many of her nieces and nephews as well as other kids could be seen going to church with her through the years. Places around town you could find Letha through the years was, of course Hula Towing (she worked hard up until 2010), the bowling alley, El Tapitio, and the Cellar. All these people were just like family to her. Letha leaves behind in her children the legacy of a generous spirit and hard work ethic and will be remembered by many for these qualities. There will be a graveside service held in her honor at the Woodville Cemetery Wednesday, February 7th at 11 am.