Ethel McMillen/McCurry

Ethel McMillen/McCurry died Jan. 7, 2009 at home in Fort Collins. The eldest of three children, Ethel was born to John R. Watts and Maude R. Ward on Nov. 23, 1914 in Eaton. Ethel grew up in LaSalle where she lived in the back of the county telephone office where her mother worked. She loved school and was always involved in the high school drama club. After graduating from Greeley High School she met Donald L. McMillen at a dance at Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver. From that moment on Donald was her priority. As she put it, "I was much more interested in Donald than I was in school" so she forego college after one year and they were married in 1934 at Donald's brothers home in Gilcrest. Donald and Ethel soon moved to Hugo for Donald's first job as county extension agent. They then moved to Pagosa Springs for a new job and finally on to Fort Collins in 1937 for Donald's long term position as Larimer County Extension Agent. Ethel spent many hours canning, sewing, baking and gardening while supporting the family's activities. She also worked as an assistant librarian at the original Fort Collins High School for 12 years. They were happily married for 31 years until Donald's death in 1965. In a historical brick home on East Elizabeth they raised three beautiful children, Donald Lewis McMillen II, Thomas Ward McMillen and Ginger Sue Montgomery. In 1971, Ethel was remarried to Major Milton L. McCurry in Fort Collins where they lived between her East Elizabeth home and Milton's home on Linda Lane. They traveled throughout the United States yearly and made a trip to Scotland to experience their heritage. Ethel and Milton were married for 30 years until Milton's death in 2001. Ethel was an amazing woman, mother, grandmother and friend. She was very involved with the high school youth group at the First United Presbyterian Church from 1952 to 1957. She also began the bell choir with monies from Donald's memorial and donated again while married to Milton. She remained an active member of the church for over 64 years and regularly attended radio services at the kitchen table once she could no longer drive. She was also very active in 4-H, Girl Scouts, The Triangle Review founded by her son, Don, the Larimer County Fair, Harris School PTO, Bridge Club, a block captain during WWII, welcomed CSU veterinary students into her home and was a charter member of Newcomers Club for over 65 years. An active member of PEO, she served as Chaplain, Treasurer and President of Chapter AL. She was awarded her Golden Girl 50 year pin the day before her death. Ethel was the last surviving member of the Extension Agent Supper Club that was established in 1937 and continued to meet for over 60 years. Ethel made many lifetime friends throughout all of these activities who remained close to her until the very end. Ethel also spent endless hours with her ten grandchildren whom she loved so very much. Ethel is survived by two of her children, Thomas W. McMillen of Waverly, and Ginger S. Montgomery of Buckeye; as well as her stepson, John Pat McCurry of Lusby, Md.; four nieces, Pam David Marmon of Waverly, Tedda Watts of Lincoln, Neb., Sharli Watts of Lyons, and Charla Ed Putman of Casper, Wyo. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Jennie, Suellen, Ruth Anne, Keli, Don, Patrick, Kristi, Marc, Brandon and Karrie; eight great-grandchildren, Taylor, Sarah, Zachery, Daniel, Kathryn, Natalie, Jacob and Ollie; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, sister, both husbands, son, Donald L. McMillen II and stepson, M. Leigh McCurry. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College. Rev. Richard McDermott will officiate at the service. A celebration of life will be held at 900 East Elizabeth following the service. A visitation will be held Mrs. McCurry from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at Bohlender Chapel, 121 West Olive Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society or Pathways Hospice in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Please visit www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com to view Ethel's online obituary and send condolences.

Tributes

Ethel McMillen/McCurry

January 7, 2009