Ethel Marie Villemaire

Ethel Marie Villemaire, 87, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away September 15, 2025. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 28, 1938. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Villemaire; parents, John and Ethel Feeney; and great-granddaughter, Grace.

She is survived by her daughter, Jeannie (George) Belew; grandchildren, Christopher (Michelle) Churchill, Nicholas (Katherine Lorge) Churchill, and Chelsea (Brian) Murphy; great-grandchildren, Camille, Ben, Casen, Adalyn, Malia, and Paxton.

Ethel's strength, grit, and unshakable presence left an impression on everyone she met. She didn't earn respect by asking for it-she commanded it, and she made sure those around her knew their worth too. Life gave her challenges, but she met them head-on, with boldness, sharp wit, and a smile that never left her face no matter what. At St. Jude's, she wasn't just a member-she was a driving force, lending her time, her voice, and her no-nonsense wisdom to keep things moving forward.

Her sense of humor and quick wit could light up any room. She was known for her boldness, unapologetically speaking her mind, and for eating dessert first whenever given the chance! She taught her daughter and granddaughter the importance of how you carry yourself, "walk with confidence!", and to always "kill 'em with kindness". Whether she was telling a story about how she dealt with the latest happenings at her parish or crafting a new stained glass piece, Ethel brought joy and laughter to everyone around her.

Ethel loved her pets and considered them family, her house was their house, she was just living in it. She managed the Ramada Inn in Jacksonville, AR, for many years and prided herself on the difference she made there. She was bold, outspoken, funny, and sassy. She loved to dance and sing! She also had a passion for arts and crafts, chocolate and the color "burple". Christmas was her favorite holiday and she started a countdown to Christmas every year, starting the day after Christmas.

Ethel was a founding member of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Jacksonville and was involved in every aspect of the parish. She was fiercely devoted to her church and attended mass daily. She loved hugs and offered them to anyone who would take one.

To celebrate Ethel's life, there will be a mass at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 19, 2025, at St. Jude’s the Apostle Catholic Church, 2403 McArthur Dr, Jacksonville, Arkansas, with a meal to follow at the church. There will be visitation on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. with a rosary service beginning at 6:00 p.m., all at the church. There will be a private interment for Ethel at Chapel Hill Memorial Park.

While Ethel is dancing with her family in heaven, she will be remembered for her dedication to Catholicism, her boundless love for her family, and her desire to bring joy to the world. She leaves behind a legacy of boldness, faith, and fun, and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.