Ethel M. Stanbrough
January 17, 2011
Ethel M. Stanbrough, 78, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2011. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. Private burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens.
Ethel was born on October 24, 1932 in Oskaloosa to John and Alberta Shirk. She graduated from East High School in 1951 and married her high school sweetheart, Gene Stanbrough on June 9, 1951. They enjoyed many summers at Clear Lake and Lake Panorama with their family. Later in retirement they lived in Florida and Iowa. Ethel enjoyed being involved with her children and grandchildren’s activities. She was the “original” hockey mom and a devoted Beaverdale little league baseball mom. Ethel herself was a natural athlete and her family considered her fearless, mighty and bigger than life. She enjoyed water skiing, boating and traveling. She was also a member of the East High Alumni Group and adored animals and wildlife.
She will be greatly missed by her husband, Gene; sons, Dave (Sherry), Dan (Tammy), Mike (Melanee); grandchildren, Jennifer (Mason) Woltz, Ben (Meredith) Stanbrough, Jeff (Jen) Stanbrough, Brad Stanbrough, Diana (Adam) Nelms, Casey Frum, Nick Stanbrough, and Alex Stanbrough; great-grandchildren, Zoie, Jack and Josephine Stanbrough, Myah and Myles Woltz, Jase and Jordana Stanbrough, Gianna Nelms; and sister, Lois Fuller. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter, Susan Stanbrough.
Online condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Jill White
01/20/2011
Jeff: Sorry for the loss of your Grandma. Cherish the memories. Take care. Love, Lee, Jill and Bridget White
Janet Ferson
01/20/2011
To Ethel's Family:
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss.
When I started abstracting almost forty years ago, there were two names that were constants---Gene and Ethel Stanbrough. They seemed to be everywhere---mostly especially developing my soon to be new home town of Pleasant Hill. I am sure it would not be what it is today without Gene. Those names have been gone from real estate for many years but I still remember them fondly. They seemed like part of the family when I worked for Bruce, Jay and Bob at American Abstract. They were great names to have on a judgment search on a hectic day.
Once again, I am sorry for the loss of one who meant so much to all of you. Hold tightly to the wonderful memories that you all have and share them with each other, as well as extra hugs for each other.
Janet Ferson
Pleasant Hill, Iowa
Lou Piatt
01/20/2011
Please accept my sincere sympathy. As one who has suffered the same loss, I understand how you must feel. Lean into your grief but continue to live life to the fullest. Let your famiy and friends comfort you in your time of need.
Sue Block
01/20/2011
Gene and family,
I wanted to extend my sympathies to your family at this time of your loss.
Craig Mickelson
01/20/2011
Jeff & Jen -
Your grandma sounds like an amazing woman; I know her loss will be felt. You have my deepest sympathy.
Dr. Jim Boltz
01/20/2011
Sending you my deepest sympathy to you Gene, and family...Our friendship goes way back to the early 50's when you lived to the West of my family on Douglas...My earliest memories were when Ethyl was my/our babysitter! What a great time we had with her and "Toodles"...I remember when the gas oven "exploded" on her, and how she dealt with the burns and singed hair...I always though she was so beautiful, and thought of her more as my older sister...Of course, remember the boat that you built with my dad and gave it the kewl name of "GeBo"..I remember when David was just a little boy and my sister actually baby sat for him...
Memories that are so, so special, and now Ethyl is at peace in heaven with my parents...What a great reunion.
Thanks for your friendship and all the good memories..
Jim Boltz
13651 Bay Hill Drive
Clive Iowa
Tha
Carol (Sage) Blair
01/20/2011
Gene, I was sorry to see of Ethel's passing., Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family.
I don't know if you remember me, a classmate, at Warren Harding Jr. High. It is of fond memories of you, Ethel, and Dean Hodges.
I wish you all the Best., I know how hard it is, as I lost my Ron, last November. God Bless., Carol
Michael and Amy Blaess
01/19/2011
Ethel was a woman whom for small stature - stood tall with her grace, compassion and love. Her impact was significant, her approach simple - quiet fortitude. To fully understand the loss to her family is to liken the ocean missing it's gently rolling waves; setting about moving things where they ought to be, pulling the sun to the sky.
God Bless, all of our love,
Michael, Amy and Alison Blaess jlb