Ethel Brunhaver
September 20, 2014
Ethel Brunhaver, 95, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston.
Ethel was born August 23, 1919 in Paullina, Iowa. Her early years were spent in Sheldon, Iowa until she moved to Des Moines in 1940. Ethel spent 34 years as a missionary in Liberia, West Africa. She served on the pastoral staff of First Church of the Open Bible, Des Moines, IA for ten years, working principally with southeast Asian refugees.
Ethel is lovingly remembered by the ladies from her Bible Study group, her congregational family at First Church and Open Bible Churches, members of Lifesong Asian Church of the Open Bible, and many other friends who were like family who loved her dearly, including her caregivers at Bishop Drumm.
Services will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at First Church of the Open Bible, 2200 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, 50310. Friends may begin to gather at 10:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service to begin at 11:00 a.m. Private burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Missions Program at First Church of the Open Bible.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Paul/Jan Townsend
09/24/2014
Ethel.(Brownie)....what a lady & servant of God. Ethel had a lot to share with and teach anyone who would listen and learn. We PTL for the 3+ years we were privileged to work with her in Liberia, West Africa.
Will (Willie) our oldest son who was 2-5yrs old at the time fell in love with Ethel. He would clean up, dress up and go to visit her every day after lunch., She was so hospitable to him and he loved her deeply.
Ethel we will miss you but none of us would wish you back now that you are enjoying Heaven.
we PTL for having known you.
Paul/Jan Townsend
Brian Farrell
09/23/2014
Ethel was a great lady. It was a pleasure to know her and to get acquaited with her large circle of friends. All of us at Bishop Drumm will miss her, but we know she is at peace in heaven.