"Just finished watching the tribute to Aunt Ethel. Tears are flowing as I remember our wonderful phone conversations. I cherish the memories of Bill and me driving cross country to see Uncle Abie and Aunt Ethel. What fun we had cooking together and visiting the Amish produce auction. Attending church was a highlight and I'm not able to say who drove to church or how fast the car sped up the highway! It must have been normal driving because the lady in the front seat was quite calm. Smile! Picking grapes while standing on the 4 wheeler gave Aunt Ethel and me lots of laughs. Driving the golf cart to pick a few tomatoes for dinner was fun, too. And then there were the heart to heart talks with Aunt Ethel - extensions of our phone conversations. And the Sunday lunch at a family restaurant where all my cousins showed up - except for Lucille in KY - thanks for those wonderful memories. And I almost forgot from the PA days how calm Aunt Ethel was and how she took everything in stride including the family dinner on the farm when she went to the freezer for dessert - ice cream and instead of a full tub of ice cream she found not one, but 2 spoons. Heaven has gained an amazing lady! And Aunt Ethel, I look forward to piano duets and singing together when we join you in heaven.The piano in the parlor in your Lititz farmhouse inspired my love of piano. And I want to say thank you. Love to Uncle Abie and all the cousins. Linda Bradley and Bill, too."
In loving memory of
Ethel B. Hershey
January 26, 1938 - September 13, 2018
Ethel B. Hershey, 80 of Utica, died Thursday, September 13, 2018 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford, following a three month battle with cancer. Ethel was born in Lititz, PA on January 26, 1938 to Ammon and Anna (Bomberger) Shelly. Growing up, she participated in 4H and enjoyed showing her dad's steers. She graduated from Manheim Central High School in 1955. She and Abram Hershey were married August 13, 1955. They farmed in Pennsylvania and operated a trucking service for area farmers until moving to Utica to farm in 1976. Ethel enjoyed tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, playing games with her family, especially Sequence. She enjoyed cooking for and entertaining guests in her home and her hospitality was a blessing to so many. She enjoyed her children and family and served them with a mother's tender love and care.
Ethel attended Spring Valley Mennonite Church when she first moved to the area. She later became an active member of St. Charles Bible Church, serving in many areas such as missions treasurer, AWANA volunteer, ladies fellowship and kitchen hospitality. She trusted in Christ as her Savior at a young age and dedicated her life to serving Him through serving others.
Survivors include her husband, Abram, six children, Marlin (Joy) Hershey of LaPorte City, IA, Ken (Jean) Hershey of Rochester, Lucy (John) Yoder of Jackson, KY, James (JoAnn) Hershey of Maple Grove, a daughter-in-law Irene Hershey of Lititz, PA, Darrell (Suzanne) Hershey of Utica and Roy (Rachel) Hershey of St. Ansgar, IA, 20 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Mervin Shelly and Wilmer Shelly and a sister Reba Nolt. She is preceded in death by her parents Ammon and Anna Shelly, her son Nelson Hershey, and a grandson Collin Hershey
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2018 at St. Charles Bible Church with the Reverend James Barnhart officiating. Burial will be in Church of the Brethren Cemetery in Lewiston. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services Saturday at the church. Please share a memory of Ethel and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Memorials are preferred to St. Charles Bible Church and St. Croix Hospice.
Tributes
"My prayers & thoughts are with your family at this time of loss."
"Abe and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lyman Sr and Sue Kurth and family"
"Hershey family, Roy I am sorry for your loss. Prayers and peace. Sara Cone"
"We were sorry to hear about Ethel passing away but know that she has been reunited with many loved ones and friends in heaven. My parents, Clarence and Maxine Carpenter were close friends with Abe and Ethel and always enjoyed their time of fellowship together over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Abe and family. It is reassuring to know that some day we will see them again. Elgin & Jean Norman"
"Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. You are blessed to be a part of the legacy left by this very special and unique lady. Wishing you all the best. "
"We were saddened to read Ethel's obituary in the Lancaster paper this morning and wish so much we could come to the service on Saturday. We are sending hugs to all of you and you are in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult days. We are remembering so many good times with your family, especially back in the 70s! Ethel's twinkling eyes, her generous hospitality. She knew how to make people feel at home and how to have fun. Abe, we know your loss is great and we want you to know WE CARE. Just a few months ago when we talked on the phone you told me how you helped care for each other these days (helping put on each others' stockings, for example!) May God grant all of you His grace, mercy, strength, wisdom and all that you need these days and may you be covered in peace and find some joy as you reminisce about her life. Sending our love, Harold and Alma"
"Abram, Darryl, Roy and family, Ric and I will be praying for you during this difficult time. Know that we love you and wish we could be there. May God give you wisdom, strength and peace. Love Ric and Jamie"