This online memorial was created in loving memory of Rusty Black, whose life story is told throughout this memorial website. Please sign Rusty's guest book and let us know you came to visit.

Our mom Rusty was born “Mabel Alice Hoback” on July 29, 1939 in Colorado to Ralph and Dorothy Hoback. Ralph and Dorothy divorced early on with Dorothy and her three children (Harry, Rusty, Ken) moving to Long Beach, California. “Mabel Alice” was named after her grandmothers, but about age 12, she became known as “Rusty” and the name stuck for the rest of her time on this earth.

Rusty’s two daughters Sheri and Lori are Southern California natives having been born in Long Beach and growing up in Orange County. When Lori and Mark married, Mark quickly became a beloved son. All three of her children miss her dearly.

Mom worked a variety of jobs throughout her lifetime, the longest being a 20-year career at FXC Corporation in Santa Ana, CA; the world leader in automatic parachute release systems. She started on the line and retired as a line supervisor. Mom enjoyed her work knowing she was helping to ensure the safety of those who would use the company’s products.

Mom loved sunshine and the outdoors! She enjoyed the beach, camping, or just sitting on the patio of her mobile home with friends and family. Mom’s door was always open. She loved to entertain be it during the holidays or summer BBQs. Having a houseful or a yard full of people was always a delight.

On December 20, 1998, mom received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. The seed planted on that day was a quiet seed which, as with many of us, took time to germinate and produce fruit. In the last two years of her life, mom teamed with a beloved spiritual mentor working through discipleship materials that brought her a deep understanding of her new life in Christ and bringing assurance of salvation and eternal life. Mom’s favorite pastor was Dr. Charles Stanley. She said of Dr. Stanley, “he teaches the Bible in a way that I can understand.” 

In September 2011, mom began to experience excruciating back pain and had to move in with Lori and Mark. On Friday, October 21st, she had kyphoplasty surgery to repair three fractured vertebrae. Biopsies revealed cancer in two of the vertebrae. Sheri, Lori, and Mark remained steadfast by mom’s side through the ensuing weeks of radiation and doctor’s appointments. Then on Thursday, December 8th, mom had emergency surgery to repair a perforated large intestine. 

By God’s grace, mom made it through surgery and was able to fulfill her desire of being home with her children for Christmas. On Christmas Eve morning, Sheri’s friend Rene came to the house and cut mom’s hair; she loved her new hairstyle. Christmas Eve night was spent eating spaghetti and watching home movies Sheri & Lori - The Early Years (1959-1964). On Christmas Day, mom dressed up in her Christmas sweatshirt. We all overate Lori’s wonderful dinner and Mark took the last photo we have with our dear mom this side of heaven.

Mom clung to life until the very end when our God and King delivered her safely into His presence at 3:29am on January 6, 2012.  Sheri and Lori were privileged to witness their mom’s last breath on earth which coincided with her first breath in heaven. “Mom, we miss you and will always love you!”