On behalf my mom Sally Bixler I'd like to say thank you for being a part of her life. My mom was an incredible person taking three jobs as a single mother to support us until I was 5 years old then she met my future step dad Harvey. Early on, her life and many talents opened up opportunities for this coal miner's daughter from Pikeville Kentucky. Mom was recognized as a fine seamstress in high school , and won multiple awards in school which which awarded her an opportunity to work in Detroit and it was there she was recruited for a dream job to move west to Hollywood California . It was the late 50's early 60's where she found herself working alongside Edith Head in the studios in Hollywood on many film projects including Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor. When her personal life took a turn for her and I, she found herself a as single mother working three jobs to support us both , then she met the love of her life Harvey Bixler. They married and I was adopted by Harvey. He purchased a house with the help of his G.I. Bill and we me moved to La Puente, CA . Harvey Bixler was a lumber truck driver then promoted to salesman and eventually got a job with So. CA Edison Company where he worked until his death in 1982 . Both he and mom were known to all their friends as “Harvey and Sally “ they were inseparable and started a side business of Fine Dolls and Miniatures called H&S Specialties . Mom always loved dolls , doll houses and making doll clothes too. My dad loved car mechanics and football his talent was building all kinds of wood projects. He built many items for their side business and our home. They loved kids and treated everyone they met like family. Mom volunteered with many local organizations, always involved with the community and school programs in which she made contacts , many which would turn out to become life-long friendships.
Growing up , I remember our door always being open . Neighborhood kids, friends , family and any others that just needed some company or visit with Mom and Dad would stop by . Mom loved the Holidays and cooking and she always had food and snacks and goodies she'd make available when people dropped by. She supplemented our income with her multi- sewing projects which included weddings, uniforms and hundreds of dresses , alterations and home decor over the years. Mom even made most of my clothes growing up for school and play complete with popular labels (she'd get these back in from her commercial sources ) in case I wanted my friends to think I was cool at school :} lol! Later after my dad's death she had two natural grandchildren my daughter and son Brittani and Rhett - Yet she considered hundreds of kid's over the years her “adopted grand-kids” , which everyone would call her either Aunt or Grandma Sally . She put herself through culinary school when she was in her sixties , graduated became certified and worked in famous hotels and kitchens and among name chefs in the industry.
She eventually retired to Florida where she lived out her days in a quiet mobile home park in Port Richey Florida . I am so grateful Mom and I often talked and she would reminiscence of her experiences in our family life, for hours over the phone or in person when I'd visit from California. My mom had an incredible detailed memory which she would rely every time we spoke. Her keen memory of detail remained with her all the up to her passing. Mom passed peacefully in her home in Port Richey Florida in her sleep, her dolls, some photos and memories around her. In her living room there was an oil painting portrait of me
( displayed in memories below) I was about five years old and being sought as a child actor in commercials at the time. The portrait always hung in plain site in home and greeted her when she'd start her day, She loved it because reminded her of our days of just me and her together starting off , guess I was always that little boy to her. I could have not asked for a better mom and a better example of someone who touched so many lives. I miss mom dearly I always felt she be here forever and it will be strange now whenever I reach to call her for some of her life wisdom or encouragement , she will always be with me in spirit now.
In closing , I know exactly what she'd want me to say to all of that knew and loved her.
Mom would say :
"Hug your kids and family , try and spend more time with them now and then, don’t forget to reach out to strangers that are feeling down and always find a place you can sit and talk , and get something to eat." -( a throw-back from her server days ;)

I love you mama,
- always, your 'lil Ricky

Thank you all for visiting , please post any memories you shared with Mom- She would love that
love you all , stay safe.
☮️RBixler