ETHEL WARRENDER

In Loving Memory of Ethel Warrender
April 1, 1934 – July 22, 2025

Ethel Warrender, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at the age of 91. Her gentle spirit, quick wit, and deep love for her family leave an enduring legacy that will be cherished forever.

Born April 1, 1934, in Cherokee, Iowa, Ethel was the daughter of James and Ethel (Conn) Fee. She grew up on a farm south of Quimby, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for nature, animals, and family bonds. Ethel often shared stories with her daughters about her adventures on the farm - playing outside, riding her horse to school, raising orphaned lambs, and her beloved three-legged dog, Ring. These memories, full of heart and humor, were told with a twinkle in her eye and a smile that warmed every room.

Ethel graduated from Quimby High School in 1952. She then continued her education at Wayne State Teachers College in Wayne, Nebraska before marrying the love of her life, Jim Warrender, on August 23, 1953, at the United Methodist Church in Quimby. Together, they built a beautiful life and shared more than 65 years of marriage before Jim's passing in 2018.

Ethel and Jim welcomed two daughters, Laurie and Wendy.

Throughout their journey together, Ethel and Jim lived in six different states - Iowa, Washington, California, Idaho, and Arizona, finally settling in Cicero, Indiana to be near their daughter Wendy, their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. No matter where life took them, Ethel always made their house a home.

Ethel was a woman of many loves: coffee, peppermints, traveling, eating at restaurants, and a competitive game of Scrabble. She had a sharp mind, a kind heart, and an enduring sense of humor that made her a joy to be around. She was a fierce supporter of her family and all their endeavors. She found the greatest joy in being surrounded by her family and watching them grow across generations.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim Warrender (2018); her daughter, Laurie (1981); her parents, James and Ethel (Conn) Fee. She is survived by her daughter Wendy (Vandy) Gillespie; her grandchildren, Tia (Mike) Roland, Tyler (Stephanie) Flanigan, Klancy Peterson, Megan Gillespie, and Mason Gillespie; her great-grandchildren, Elijah, McKenzie, McKayla, Kiya, Grant, and Kynlee; and many extended loving family members and cherished friends who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Ethel's life will be held in October 2025 at Boothby Funeral Home, Cherokee, Iowa, with an internment at the Grandview Cemetery, Quimby, IA.

Ethel's life was defined by love - for her family, for the memories of her upbringing, and for the many simple pleasures that brought her joy. Her strength, grace, and warmth touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

"A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered."