Ethel J. Howell, age 86, of Fennimore, and formerly of Richland Center, passed away at her home on Tuesday June 1, 2021, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. With the assistance of Hospice, she was able to be at home, surrounded by her children, until the end.
Ethel was born on December 29, 1934, in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Jesse and Alice (Grant) McCoy. She met her husband, Wilson Howell, while he was serving at the San Diego Navy Base in California. They were united in marriage on October 18, 1952, in Yuma, Arizona and spent thirty-two years together before he passed away in 1985. She was a loving and caring wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Ethel loved her family and friends dearly and was always there when someone needed her. She was kindhearted but strong in character. She wanted to do everything herself and would never ask for help. Ethel enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, drawing and crocheting. She crocheted countless baby sweaters and blankets for family and friends over the years, as well as the beautiful dresses she crocheted for her Barbie dolls. She really loved attending family gatherings and seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ethel is survived by one brother, Wesley McCoy, of Emmett, Idaho, her children, Joyce and (Lawrence) VanWormer of Readstown, David and (Pam) Howell of Berlin, Cindy Herbeck and (Fiancé, Bob Loomis) of Boscobel, Cathie and (George) Jensen of Blue Mounds, Roger and (Julie) Howell of Woodman, and Brenda and (Terry) Kalish of Boscobel, nineteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Alice McCoy, her husband, Wilson Howell, a son, Wesley Howell, a daughter, Jenny (Howell) Bickham and eleven sisters: Marie, Margie, Marion, Geraldine, Genevieve, Phyllis, Pat, Bobbie, Lee, Charlotte and Willette, and two infant brothers.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Ethel will be placed next to her husband at the Richland Center Cemetery in Richland Center, Wisconsin. The Larson Family Funeral Home of Fennimore is assisting the family with arrangements.