Ethel was the first-born child of Marvin T. and Ida A. Ham. Her early years were spent in Perkins Co., South Dakota. She attended 1st and 2nd grade at Miller School (east of Shadehill). The Marvin Ham family moved to Brown Co. in 1938, and farmed near Barnard. Ethel attended 3rd through 12th grade at Barnard School, graduating in the Class of 1948. She accepted Jesus as her Savior as a young girl.
Severt Easterby served in the US Navy, World War II. Following discharge he and Ethel began dating. They were married June 30, 1948, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. They soon began living and farming near Barnard. Sons Dean (1949), Rodney (1950), and Jay (1956) were born to the couple.
February 1957 Severt and Ethel moved their family to Western Washington, settling near Auburn. Daughter Carla was born in 1959. In 1968 they moved to their present home on the hill west of Auburn. The family attended Puyallup Assembly of God until 1965, at which time they began worshipping at Calvary Temple, Auburn (now Northwest Family Church) which is still their home church. They faithfully attended, and Ethel voluntarily helped in the church's Sunday School for many years, assisting with recordkeeping and other tasks.
Her unconditional love for her family was always evident. Ethel created a home where many visited and were welcomed with her never-ending hospitality, always presenting delicious food for her family and guests. She enjoyed cooking and baking, trying out new recipes, as well as providing the "old-time favorites".
As the children grew a little older, Ethel decided to pursue employment outside the home. She eventually began working for the Auburn School District in Food Service. She worked at various elementary schools in the district, including a position as head cook for the Alpac Elementary School.
She became interested in cake decorating in the late 1960's, and soon became well-known for the beautiful wedding cakes she created at her home. For over two decades she fulfilled orders as she baked, designed, decorated, and delivered wedding and special occasion cakes. Her technique was so precise, and many hours were spent as she painstakingly worked on these projects.
Following retirement in October 1990 Ethel continued to host her family in her home for meals and times of being together to keep "connected". She enjoyed time spent with a group of friends "the Lunch Bunch". Arlene Salisbury and she enjoyed a treasured friendship for many years.
Ethel didn't require much to be happy. She loved God deeply, and she possessed a quiet and gentle spirit. She will be missed by so many -- family and friends. She is gone but not forgotten.