Celebrating Rosie the Riveter Day: The Legacy of Mabel Ada Stevens Glancy

As we honor Rosie the Riveter Day on March 21, we reflect on the remarkable stories of women who contributed to the war effort during World War II. Our beloved resident, Barbara Fuller, shared with us the inspiring tale of her mother, Mabel Ada Stevens Glancy, a riveter during the war.

Mabel's journey began in Phinney County, Kansas, where she was born as the eldest of eight children in a farming family.

​From a young age, she shouldered immense responsibility, helping on the farm and caring for her younger siblings. Mabel was unable to complete her high school education due to familial obligations.

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At 19, Mabel married, but soon after got a divorce due to marital difficulties; Barbara was just two years old. They relocated to Minterfield, CA, where they lived in a rooming house managed by one of Mabel's sisters.

​Barbara remembers they were the only ones in the house with a kitchen and were allowed to cook. When the war broke out, Mabel went to work as a riveter in a factory where she primarily worked on P38 aircraft contributing to the war effort.

She replaced windshields and did sheet metal work on the body of the planes. Mabel's tireless work ethic and dedication quickly earned her recognition, and she was promoted to a lead position.​

Despite facing resistance from some of her male counterparts, Mabel was rewarded for her hard work. Barbara said her mother developed her work ethic from her farming background and from taking care of her family.

​Barbara remembers her mother would take scraps from the windshields and make hearts out of them and even made a jewelry box for one of her sisters, Barbara’s aunt.

​Barbara remembers her mother wearing coveralls and a snood every day to work and would carry a black metal lunch pail as well. She didn’t drive at the time so she was picked up by other workers at the factory.

​Barbara would wait on the front porch step for her to return each day and distinctly remembers that her mother always brought her a treat. A Hershey’s Kiss was a special treat as chocolate was rationed during the war, but her mother always managed to get something to put a smile on her face.

Mabel continued to work as a riveter until the end of the war and then was “riffed” (reduction in forces). After that, Mabel returned to school to learn how to type and then worked the rest of her career in the school system as a counselor and secretary.

​​Barbara didn’t appreciate that her mother was also in charge of attendance so always knew where she was! Barbara said she also had to attend summer school so her mother could keep an eye on her.​

​Mabel passed away in 1969, and Barbara fondly remembers her mother's unwavering love and support, even as she juggled work and motherhood. Mabel's resilience and independence left a lasting impression on Barbara, shaping her into the compassionate and determined woman she is today.

Barbara married Charles “Chuck” Milton Fuller, the two met while attending college at Colorado State University. Barbara fondly remembers how she had called him a “cowboy” which he quickly rebutted and told her that he was in fact a “rancher”!

The difference was that cowboys worked the ranch and ranchers owned the ranch! His family has owned their ranch here in Colorado since 1906. 

Barbara was going to college to be an occupational therapist on a full scholarship and her mother was very proud as she was the first in the family to do so.

​Barbara was torn but ultimately decided to drop out and get married to Chuck. Barbara recalls that her mother wasn’t happy with her at the time, but said she eventually realized that Chuck was a good husband to her daughter and said Barbara had made the right decision. 

Chuck went into the Air Force and the family enjoyed being stationed in many different places around the world. Barbara and Chuck have three children; Burton who lives in Colorado, Cheryl who lives in Hawaii, and Lisa who lives in New Jersey. Barbara also has one grandson by her son, Burton. Her husband passed away soon after their 50th wedding anniversary and left her with many cherished memories of their time together.
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Barbara is also an avid knitter and shares her talents with Crossfire Ministries where she knits hats for those in need. She has been volunteering with them for five years now and has a heart for helping others, embodying the spirit of service instilled in her by her mother. 

Barbara said she heard about Melody Living while she was living in a different community that was transitioning out of senior living. Her hairdresser there moved to Melody Living to work and told Barbara about it. She said she came for a tour, got her hair cut, and decided to stay!

As we celebrate Rosie the Riveter Day, we pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of Mabel Ada Stevens Glancy and the countless women like her who played a vital role in history. Their legacy lives on through the generations, inspiring us to embrace resilience, compassion, and the courage to face any challenge that comes our way.

For more information about our senior independent living community or to schedule a tour and enjoy a meal with us, visit our contact page or call us at 719.900.1540.