Ethel Lee Chatfield

Ethel Lee Chatfield, 90, Palmyra, Mo., passed into the arms of Jesus Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, surrounded by close friends and family at her home in Palmyra.

Ethel was born May 5, 1932, in Woodland, Mo., to Earl R. and Marguerite Schroder Chatfield.

Survivors include her special friends, Wanda Zeigler, Marilyn Allen, and the gals of her coffee club; nephew, Mike Buehler (Christine); nieces Sue Buehler McCann (Darryl) and Kimberly Irven; numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Margaret Louise Buehler and Norma Jean Irven (Phil); and nephew, Mark Irven.

Ethel grew up and lived in Palmyra most of her life. She worked for the Motorola Plant in Quincy for many years, retiring at 60 and then heading back to work for American Safety, and then for Universal Display in Palmyra. 

During her younger years, she liked playing marbles with the boys and later hitting the road with her friend, Imogene, for road trips to Texas, Florida and other stops along the way. 

Although, she never married or had children of her own, Ethel embraced and loved her niece, Susan, and her nephews, Mike and Mark. Their family photos covered her refrigerator, home and heart. Ethel cherished moments spent with all her relatives at big family reunions every year, where her warm blackberry cobbler was always a hit! 

Ethel loved people and never knew a stranger, striking up conversations and making new friends, although none closer than her friends, Wanda and Marilyn. They spent many years by her side, having fun, making memories and partaking in their morning “Coffee Club” in the back of Maggie’s. She was welcomed as part of Marilyn’s family and spent most holidays with them, especially excited to enjoy Marilyn’s homemade noodles as a treat. 

Ethel usually said what was on her mind, letting you know if something was “just not her cup of tea!” She was great at giving good advice but made sure you knew that “if you use it it’s fine, but if not, that’d be your fault!”

Ethel was a loving, caring and sharing woman of God. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Palmyra often referring to herself as a “roaming Baptist” due to her love of roaming around the church visiting and sharing her testimony with others. 

Her sweet smile and fun loving spirit will be missed by all those who knew her.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 30, at Little Union Baptist Cemetery in Palmyra. Pastor Paul Reese will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Mike Buehler, Darryl McCann, David Schroder, Howard Schroder, Keith Mersman and Rick Sublette.

Memorials may be made to Little Union Cemetery or the Palmyra Food Pantry.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.lewisbrothersfuneralchapel.com.