
February 22, 1938 ~ May 21, 2020
Ethel was born February 22, 1938, in Caldwell, Kansas. She grew up in Caldwell, Kansas, graduated high school in Caldwell in 1956, and went on to attend Emporia State University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. It was while she was in college, she met the love of her life, Marion, to whom she was married for 43 years.
They lived at the same address in Wellington, Kansas, where they raised their two children. She was a third grade teacher in Wellington for six years. They were very active members in their church and enjoyed working with Awana Club taking care of children after school. They enjoyed travelling and volunteering with Campers on Mission in the United States and in Mexico.
Upon Marion’s passing in 2004, Ethel moved to Texas to be closer to her children and became active in the North Richland Hills Senior Center, Smithfield Baptist Church and volunteering at the local police department. She enjoyed travelling with her friends and visiting all over the world.
She is survived by son Chester Bodge and wife Kathy, daughter Elisa Gant and husband Rodger, grandson, Keith Smith; great-grandchild Eden Smith; her brother, Ben Pratt of Caldwell, Kansas, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Marion, parents Charles and Stella Pratt, her beloved aunt and uncle Ethel and Chester Sparks.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ethel’s honor to the Smithfield Baptist Church, 7912 Main Street, North Richland Hills, Texas, 76182.
Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Caldwell City Cemetery, Caldwell, Kansas.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
Dear Elisa and Chet and family,
Patsy Elder - 05/21/2020
What can I say? Elthel was such a dear friend to me, and I loved her dearly. She was so sweet and kind, and a wonderful and giving Christian lady. Merlyn and I treasured our friendship with Marion and her, and I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing, yet rejoicing in the fact that she is celebrating in Heaven with her Savior and Marion and all her loved ones! I will miss our phone conversations, but will always always cherish my memories of having her as such a special friend! My love and my prayers are with you, and may God bless all of you at this difficult time. Thank you for all you did for your mother--she loved you so much!
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Chet & Elisa and family
CORLYN(DAY) CAIN - 05/22/2020
Chet & Elisa and family
I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I remember her as a kind and wonderful lady. Prayers of peace be with you.
Corlyn Cain and family
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Dear family of Ethel
Becky Kolman Sellers - 05/22/2020
It is hard to adequately put into words how I felt about your mother. She was my 3rd grade teacher and for part of my 6th grade year. I learned so much from her and she made learning fun. Especially how she taught the multiplication tables by using a baseball diamond. We had her over to our house for meals and I was even your babysitter for several years while I was in high school. We stayed in touch over the years and corresponded every year at Christmas. She was a great lady and a wonderful teacher and I am honored to have known her.
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Chet, Elisa & families
Danielle (Basin... - 05/22/2020
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Your mom was always so sweet.
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Dear Chet and Lisa
nadine Brownlee - 05/22/2020
I have known Ethel sence she was my kids third grade teacher at Jefferson. We become good friends through church. She was a wonderful friend and church worker none can compare.I have missed her so much sence she moved to Texas.God bless each of you and just know she is enjoying heven and Marion
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To Chet, Kathy, and family
Henry & Barbara... - 05/22/2020
It was a pleasure that I was blessed to know both your parents. Ethel is now in heaven with God and Marion.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Dear Elisa, Rodger Lee, Chet and Kathy and family
Linda Kosier - 05/22/2020
Our hearts are breaking knowing your Mom went to heaven before you got to see her. But what a wonderful memory you have with your precious phone call with her on Wednesday night. We loved her dearly and have many fond memories of our time with her. Imagine the rejoicing that is in heaven now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family as you go through the days ahead, knowing Gods arms are gently wrapped around you.
Our Love is with you now and always,
Mom and Dad Kosier
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Please accept our condolences
Kathy Neff - 05/22/2020
Please accept our condolences at the loss of your Mother. We gained so much from both your parents. They loved people as Christ loved. I’m sure there is rejoicing going on in Heaven!
Prayerfully,
Bert & Kathy Neff
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Dear Ethel's Family,
Mildred DelForg... - 05/23/2020
Dear Ethel's family.
Elisa and Chet, you had a wonderful, wonderful mother. Your mother was a very special friend of mine. Elisa, thank you for being so helpful when I went with your mother to our 50th High School Reunion.
I graduated high school in Caldwell, Kansas, with your mother in 1956. I also went to Emporia State University in Kansas as your mother did. We have been friends for so many years. We have had so many wonderful phone conversations. Ethel has been special to me for almost my entire life. This friendship was especially so when we were young girls and then again as we got a little older.
I as so sad to hear of her passing. She brought alot of happiness to me and I know she was such a wonderful mother to both of you.
My love and condolences go to you
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Chet and Elisa
Carole Sharpsteen - 05/23/2020
So sorry to hear of your Mother's passing.
Hadn't talked to her lately but when we did
We had a good conservation.
Y'all are in our prayers. God bless.
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Chet & Elisa,
Robert Burkey &... - 05/23/2020
Chet & Elisa,
So sorry for you loss! We are praying for you and your entire family. My father, Jim, has fond memories of your folks. I wanted to reach out and let you know I am thinking and praying for you.
Robert Burkey and family.
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Elisa & Rodger and Chester & Kathy
Kathy Thomison - 05/24/2020
On behalf of the entire staff of Traditions Senior Living - We are so sad by the loss of Ethel. It was an honor and privilege to know and care for her. She was a beautiful lady and she will be in our hearts forever. All of our love and prayers are with you. Kathy
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All Our Love
The Rumfield’s - 05/25/2020
Please know that you both are in our thoughts & prayers during this troublesome time. I know that God will wrap his arms around you both & bring you comfort to get through these difficult days ahead!! Sorry again for your loss,
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Chet and Elisa
Harriet Hull - 05/26/2020
So very sorry for your loss. It has been many years since your mom and I have visited, but I will always remember her as a kind person and friend.
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