Ethel McGovern

Ethel McGovern
April 18, 1931-Jan. 17, 2011

The heavens are shining a bit brighter since Ethel has ascended to be with God. Ethel was a vivacious, outgoing person, who could brighten up almost any day. Unfortunately, she lost her battle with cancer. Ethel was born in Kansas and relocated in her younger years to the northwest, Concrete in fact. This is where she met the love of her life, Chuck. Chuck and Ethel had been married for 60 years and had the joy and opportunity to travel extensively. Throughout their travels on cruises, European tours and other vacation spots they met many interesting people, whom they visited and kept in contact for years. Professionally, Ethel started out as a telephone operator and then dabbled in real estate. She graduated from Centralia Community College all the while helping to raise their two daughters. Ethel has been a member and leader of various organizations, such as St. Helen's Club, Olympia Yacht Club, Art Guilds, Beta Sigma Phi and a long time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and in the past very involved with their women's groups. She generally had a smile on her face with a hand extended to whoever needed it. Her laugh always set her apart and made other's days a little bit brighter. Ethel had the opportunity to be on the stage and acted superbly in the Cemetery Club, she was a bit of ham. While attending the Community College she was inspired and really got into her artwork that bloomed after retirement. Her mediums were oils and pencils, many of her paintings centered on landscapes of the northwest and southwest. She and Chuck for many years would spend their winters in Yuma, AZ, where a lot of their Washingtonian friends also were. Ethel is survived by her husband, Chuck; daughters, Karen McGovern and Kay Pearson; son-in-law, Caryl Pearson; grandsons, Eric Frederickson and Ryan McGovern; brother, Jerry Gifford; sister- in -law, Shirley Gifford; and niece, Sandie Millhouse. Her grandson, Ryan, was a special delight for her and joined in her spiritual nature and love for life. Ethel will be greatly missed, but we know she is out of pain and will be watching over us. Memorial services will be held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chehalis on January 28, 2011 at 3:30 p.m., a reception will follow. A "Celebration of Life" party will be held on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Riverside Golf Club in Chehalis, please wear colorful apparel. Donations to the American Heart Assn. or the Cancer Society are also suggested.