Stiles Flower Shoppe

History Spans 56 Years - By Linda Ruminer - Archivist-Historian - Tulare Historical Musuem

Audie “Bud” and Ruby Stiles first started Stiles Flower Shoppe, a nursery and flower business, in about 1952 on West Prosperity Ave. in Tulare.  They later moved their nursery business to W. Inyo Avenue, but subsequently sold it and opened a floral and gift shop at 545 E. Cross Ave. next door to what is now Vejar’s Mexican Restaurant.  Later Ruby and Bud moved the business to its present location at 411 E King Ave.

All the members of the Stiles family learned how to help in the shop and granddaughter Sheri Hays said she and other family members have pleasant memories from the experience.

In January 1979, Bud and Ruby retired and sold the business to Dana Fink and her mother, Dorothy Damron; and Dorothy’s best friend, Florence Reisig.  The three ladies owned Stiles Flower Shoppe for two years. 

During those two years Judy Stovall worked at Stiles Flower Shoppe with her best friend Dana Fink.  When Dana, Dorothy and Florence decided to sell the business in 1981, Judy Stovall, and her husband, Jim, purchased the shop.

Meanwhile, Bud Stiles remained active in retirement, keeping a greenhouse and plant business in the backyard of his No. Blackstone St. home.  Plants were his hobby and he made dish gardens and terrariums and sold them wholesale to Tulare nursery operators.  Judy Stovall said she would call Stiles when she needed to purchase a dish garden or terrarium.

Jim and Judy Stovall owned and operated Stiles Flowers until July 30, when they decided to sell the business and slow down a little.  During their 27 years of ownership, the service was always top-notch, and the staff always offered a friendly, personal touch that we all admired.  The Stovall’s plan to do projects at home and spend lots of time with their grandchildren. 

They also will assist new owners Bud LeGette and Pam Hughes for a bit longer.  Pam’s sister, Glenna Sanders, is also helping as are continuing employees, Tracy Kasiner and Lucy Russell. 

Bud last worked at E. M. Tharpe’s in Porterville as a mechanic and Pam was a receptionist at the Tulare Veterinary Hospital.  Each has four children and together they share six grandchildren.

I am excited for Bud and Pam and wish them all the best in their new business venture.

Bud LeGette and Pam Hughes, center are the new owners of Stiles Flower Shoppe at 411 East King Ave.  Tracy Kasiner, left, and Lucy Russell, right, worked for previous owners Jim and Judy Stovall and are remaining on staff.l