Obituary of Rick Ables

Richard “Rick” Arlen Ables (64) resident of St. Maries, ID passed away at Kootenai Health on January 1, 2020. He was born to Billy and Lela (Allen) Ables on February 1, 1955 in Richmond, CA. Rick grew up in Gerber, CA and graduated from Red Bluff High School with the class of 1977. On June 17, 1973 Rick married his high school sweetheart Sandra Waddell in Anderson, CA. He then attended Shasta College in their Mechanic program. When he left college, Rick went to work in construction, a trade he worked his whole life. He and his family made their home in Tehama County. They later moved to Bastrop, TX where Rick went to work in his family’s business. Trying to move closer to California, the family moved to Mansfield, WA for a brief time before returning to Tehama County. In 1993 Rick and his family moved to St. Maries, ID to be close to family. Over the years they moved back and forth from St. Maries, ID to Tehama County. In November 2019, they returned to St. Maries because Rick loved the area and it is where he wanted to be. Over the years Rick played in several bands as a drummer. In the early 1990’s when first moving to St. Maries, he played with Minnie Epler in the Hard Luck Band. He also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and shooting pool. Rick loved spending time with his family, specifically his grandchildren and he spoiled them often. Rick is survived by his wife Sandra at their home in St. Maries; children Michael Ables (Patricia Boyd) of Vina, CA, Billie Stone of Pendleton, OR, Richard (Angela) Ables Jr. of Chico, CA, Curtis (Angelique) Ables of St. Maries, ID, and David (Melissa) Ables of Redding, CA; siblings John (Laurie) Ables of Corning, CA and David (Lori) Ables of Red Bluff, CA; 21 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Billy Gene Ables Jr., Gregory Ables, and Barbara Ables; and granddaughter Adele Ables. A Celebration of Life is planned for January 18, 2020 at Rick’s home 228 S. 14th in St. Maries and a graveside service will be January 25, 2020 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Red Bluff, CA.