Ethlynn Lucia Stevens ²⁷²

Courtesy of LifeStoryNet.com
[author unknown]

Ethlyn Pell was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She grew up strong during times of sorrow, and showed confidence in the face of challenge. The joy she showed in caring for her family was extended to friends, who shared in the delights of Ethlyn's warmth and hospitality.

Ethlyn was born during a decade of advancement and struggle. While the moving assembly line increased America's ability to produce goods, workers united to gain fair labor practices. The United States was advancing as a world power and heavily engaged in WWI, the war that was meant to "end all wars." Yet for one family in Portland, Maine, the future looked bright as they celebrated the birth of their daughter. Ethlyn was born to Paul and Bernice (Beals) Stevens on September 6, 1915. She grew up with a sense of responsibility and a strength of character that sustained her throughout her life.

As a teen, Ethlyn moved with her younger brother, father and her grandpa to Plainwell, Michigan. Tragedy struck the family when her brother was killed in a bike accident. She was in high school at the time and started working at the Red Brick Inn. All the money she earned went to help her family. She worked hard on the job and at school and graduated from Plainwell High in 1933.

Ethlyn was an independent and capable young woman when she met Russell Pell at a dance-a-thon. It was a blind date, but the two of them hit it off and began dating. Perhaps because Russell was a bit shy, he preferred to court Ethlyn in the quietude of a canoe ride on Pine Lake, which became very special for them over the years. They knew each other well by the time they decided to get married. Ethlyn and Russell made their vows on January 28, 1937 at the home they lived in for the next 70 years.

Ethlyn and Russell were blessed with two children, Steve and Jerrilyn. Though she was happy in her role as homemaker, Ethlyn also helped with the family business, Plainwell Canning Company, working on the line during the summer. She maintained a lovely home and took wonderful care of her family. She always had a sewing project going and made great meals for family or the guests Ethlyn liked to entertain. Her kids loved her cooking, especially her "city" chicken and lemon meringue pie. And what could be more delightful for children than to have dessert after every meal. This kind of generosity was a trademark of mealtime at Ethlyn's house. Whether sharing a meal or playing a game of Bridge, family and friends always felt welcome at her table.

When she wasn't at home, Ethlyn liked to travel with Russell, especially in their Model Ts. They were members of the Tin Lizzie Travelers, Ford Model T Club International, and Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers. For Ethlyn and Russell, owning a Model T didn't mean they only participated in parades. Yes, they were in numerous parades over the years, but they also took a major trip from New York to Seattle in a reenactment of a famous race. They once traveled to Pikes Peak in Colorado and got stranded in the snow. Their sense of adventure even took them to Alaska and Australia. Characteristic of Ethlyn, she never did things the easy way.

Ethlyn may have been a perfectionist, but she was a pleasant one. When she became a grandmother, she gave her grandkids the excellent attention and special fun that her children enjoyed. Trips to the movies with Grandma was a favorite activity that her grandkids will long remember.

Ethlyn Pell passed away October 16, 2007, at the Life Care Center in Plainwell. Her life of love and dedication to her husband, children and grandchildren is a legacy that Ethlyn's family carries well beyond her 92 years.

Ethlyn's family includes her husband of 70 years, Russell; two children: Steve (Patricia) Pell and Jerrilyn (Ernie) Sunnerville all of Plainwell; grandchildren: Bret (Paula) Sunnerville, Laura (Joe) Martinez, Sue (Tracy) McConnell, Mike (Tracy) Harrington, and Kecia (Joe) Bronson; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Fred and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ron and Ruth Pell. Learn more about Ethlyn, view her Life Story Film, and visit with her family on Thursday from 5-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams, where her service will be held on Friday at 11 AM, officiated by Pastor Keith Heyn. Following her burial at Hillside Cemetery a luncheon will be held at the First Baptist Church of Plainwell. Please visit Ethlyn's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her guest book or make memorial donation to the In House Hospice or a charity of your choice.

  Events

• She appeared on the census in 1920 at 70 Whitney Avenue in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine. She lived in the household of her parents.

• She appeared on the census in 1930 in Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan. She lived in the household of her father.

• She appeared on the census in 1940 in Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan. She lived in the household of her husband.

• She had a residence in Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan.

Ethlynn married Edward Russell Pell, son of William Ronald Pell and Susie Myrtle Root, 28 January 1937 in Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan. (Edward Russell Pell was born 14 March 1909 in Michigan ⁶⁵⁹¹ and died 28 April 2010 in Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan ⁶⁵⁹¹.)