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Ethel Even Obituary
Ethel was born to Marian Groff (Escott) and Marion Engebretson. She grew up surrounded by the wide skies and open plains of South Dakota. Over the years, she built a life rooted in love, resilience, and deep family connections. Ethel married Ed Even on May 17, 1955, and they followed the oil rigs in CO, KS, OK & TX where Ed worked the fields for several years before settling in Colorado Springs in 1964. Ethel & Ed shared many cherished years before his passing.
Family was always at the heart of Ethel's world. She is lovingly remembered by her son Doug Even (Nanette), daughter Cyndi Fischer, granddaughters Angie Nanney (Jim) and Amber Even, and great-grandchildren Shane Farmer, Taylor & Joe Nanney, James, Elora, Abby & Kaleb Even. Ethel also leaves behind her sister Susie Payne; brother Butch Engebretson; and numerous nieces and nephews who were incredibly dear to her.
Ethel's life was also marked by profound loss. She was predeceased by her parents; husband Ed Even; daughter Rhonda Even; son-in-law Wayne Fisher; grandsons Jeremiah Even and Jesse Fischer; great-granddaughter Payton Fischer; brothers Marlon Engebretson and Max Engebretson; nephew Ricky Engebretson; niece Stephanie Payne; and partner Jim Schwengler.
Known for her outgoing nature and generous spirit, Ethel never met a stranger-only friends she hadn't yet spoken to. Her gift for conversation was legendary; she could talk your ear off with stories that made you laugh or pause in reflection, sometimes even a bit of confusion. Whether chatting with neighbors or striking up conversations with passersby during a hike or community event, Ethel had a way of making everyone feel welcomed.
An avid lover of the outdoors, Ethel found joy in hiking through nature's beauty and engaging in outdoor activities that kept her connected to the world around her. She also had a creative side expressed through painting-a hobby that brought color not only to canvas but to those fortunate enough to receive one of her works. Volunteering was another cornerstone of Ethel's life; she gave freely of her time to causes close to her heart. And when it came time for fun and fellowship, square dancing brought rhythm and laughter into her days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church located at 1128 East Boulder Street in Colorado Springs (80903). A reception will follow at the church as family and friends gather to honor Ethel's memory with stories, music, and shared remembrance.
Ethel "GG" leaves behind a legacy of love that spans generations-a legacy built on kindness, connection, and an unwavering devotion to family. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Grace Lutheran Church in her honor.
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Ashley Silvia
April 5, 2025
Ashley Silvia
April 5, 2025
I don´t even know what to say. I know we haven´t been too close recently, but you will always be my Colorado grandma! I just got out here to visit and was going to call you when I got the message from Angie. Oh how I am going to miss you so much! It brought back such a flood of memories. From first meeting you at Barr Camp to going and staying at your house for the weekend or even week and playing video games with Jeremiah, to going with you to South Dakota to meet your family and see Mount Rushmore. Even all the little memories like how you used to always have popcorn on a bowl in the living room, or going to the Starsmore Discovery Center to learn about nature, even though we lived in it up on the mountain. Lol How you got me to love Bob Ross and even helped me do my own picture with your VHS videos of his tutorials, or when you would take us out back behind your house to look for petrified shells. And even down to being there for my mother and I at one of the hardest points in our life when we lost Katie.I could go on and on with memories of how wonderful you were to us when we weren´t even your blood. You took Katie and I in and raised us with Jeremiah and Angie just like we were your own grandkids also. You will be forever loved and missed!
Always & Forever,
Ashley
Lisa Carpentier
April 4, 2025
My most sincere sympathies to the family of this wonderful woman.
At least we know where she is now-and that one day, we´ll join her, along with all our loved ones who´ve passed.
It was an honor to first meet Ethel in 1991 on Barr Trail, on my way up to stay at Barr Camp with my husband for three days of fun. Ethel happened to be buzzing past us-uphill, of course! We stopped her to ask how close we were, since we had never been there before. She smiled and said, "Oh, you´re pretty close"... haha, it definitely didn´t feel close to me! I had never hiked seven miles up a mountain before-we had just moved to Colorado from sea level.
Little did we know that just a year and a half later, we´d be living at Barr Camp with our two daughters for six years-and that Ethel would become a regular presence in our lives. We grew to love her deeply and considered her a part of our family. We couldn´t wait to see her come through the cabin door on one of her treks.
She was more than a visitor-she took our daughters to town, and even brought them along on a vacation to Mount Rushmore. Her kindness, strength, and spirit will stay with me always.
Though I´m now in North Carolina and unable to attend her service, my daughter Ashley will be there in my place.
All my love and prayers to her family and friends.
She will forever be in my heart.
-Lisa
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Ann Chorbi
April 3, 2025
Sending my deepest sympathy to all of Ethel's family. She was a great gal.
I met Ethel when we were forming a name for "Friends on Foot", in fact I named our little group. I have 3 1/2 years of very fond memories of our hikes and even our week's hike along the Colorado Trail and dear Gordon made me a beautiful plaque when I moved to Walnut Creek, Ca. I have albums of our hikes, nothing that easy to transfer to this page though.
Ethel was so welcoming to everyone and inspired all of us to keep going. On our Colorado Trail week long hike Ed would take all our sleeping gear and drive to the next spot, go fishing while we hiked the beautiful terrain, sometimes even above the 'tree line'.....
Just awesome memories. The old Bristle Cone Pines were my favorite. Ethel loved it all.
RIP dear Ethel, so glad I got to know you back in the 'good 'ol days'. '73-'76. Ann Chorbi
Charlie and Kathy Perry
March 30, 2025
Sharing your sadness, we offer our deepest sympathy. GG will be missed and memories will remain in our thoughts and our hearts. Ethel was loved .
Heather Austin
March 29, 2025
Diana Ankner
March 29, 2025
So sorry for your loss! My dad passed in 2020. Second from left next to Ethel . I joined hikes with My dad, Gordon Mayo, and Ethel . Friends on Foot. Ethel always had a lot of energy. Ethel and my dad were best of friends in their many hikes. Ethel was alot of fun . She will be missed by so many. Condolences to her family and friends.
Cindy Escott
March 28, 2025
This is my second message, as I neglected to include some important people, in the first one. Susie Payne and Butch Engebretson, my sympathy to both of you. Same wishes and prayers for you to be surrounded by God's Love, Comfort and His Peace.
Cindy Escott
March 28, 2025
Cyndi and Doug, and families, my sympathy to all of you. I will cherish memories of her, at reunions, and some "conversations" we had on Facebook. Praying that you all are surrounded by God's Love, Comfort and His Peace.
Nikki Cater
March 28, 2025
GG,
Thank you for opening your home to me and loving me like one of your grandkids. I love you so much and I´m so honored to have been able to be here to help you when you needed me. I love you!!
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