Obit: Thomas, Ethel E. (1927 - 2013)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Thomas, Severson, Pasch, Cleeton, Fravert, Conrad, Canedo, Heck

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 03/01/2013

Thomas, Ethel E. (10 JUN 1927 - 26 FEB 2013)

Ethel Edith (Severson) Thomas, 85, Loyal, passed away at House of the Dove, in Marshfield, on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. Ethel was born on June 10, 1927, in the town of Beaver, Clark County, WI, to Vern and Luella Severson.

She grew up on the family farm northeast of Greenwood with two sisters, Vera and Alice, and two brothers, Lester and Douglas. She graduated from Greenwood High School in 1945. On July 15, 1945, Ethel was united in marriage to the love of her life, Ralph Leroy Thomas, when he came home on leave from the Army after serving on the front lines in Germany with the 86th Blackhawk Division. Ralph and Ethel had four daughters, Patsy Ann, Donna, Janice and Linda.

Ethel, first and foremost, was a wife and mother extraordinaire. She also served as bookkeeper and secretary for Thomas Auto Sales, worked in the auto auction offices on sales days, and held a real estate broker's license for a while. Ethel loved to garden, and always had a yard full of flowers. She and Ralph both bowled on several leagues and they enjoyed casino visits. Traveling within the U.S. was a family tradition, which she and Ralph continued after the children were married. Although, in the latter years, the car often headed to Las Vegas with her and Ralph spending six weeks in January and February in Nevada and Arizona.

Ethel took up golf the last 20 years of her life and loved the summer trips she'd take with her family. She last golfed on August 18, 2012, only doing putting, but along for the fun nonetheless.

She is survived by her daughters, Patsy Ann (Ron) Pasch of Reedsburg; Janice (Roger) Cleeton of Grand Blanc, MI; Linda (LeRoy) Fravert of Loyal; one son-in-law, Donald Pasch of Madison; her grandchildren, Angie (Dan) Conard, Cheri Ann Pasch, Trisha Ann Pasch, Ron John Pasch, Tracy Cleeton, Terry (Melissa) Cleeton, Tamela Cleeton, LeRoy Fravert III, Laura (Affonso) Canedo; her great-grandchildren, Tanner, Noah, Chelsea Ann, Tyler, Julia, Lauren; one great-great-granddaughter, Mercedee Ann; her sister, Alice Scott of Crystal Lake, IL; two brothers, Lester (Helen) Severson of Loyal; Doug (Elaine) Severson of Withee; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; one daughter, Donna Pasch; and one sister, Vera (Hareld) Heck.

Funeral services will be held at Missionary Baptist Church, in Greenwood, on Friday, March 1, 2013, at 11 a.m. Rev. Rob Love will officiate and burial will follow in the Greenwood City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Terry Cleeton, Tracy Cleeton, Dan Conard, Affonso Canedo, Don Pasch and Dale Severson. Visitation will be held at the church, on Friday, from 9 a.m. until time of service.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, of Loyal, is assisting the family with arrangements.