The following obituary appeared in "The Punxsutawney Spirit" (Punxsutawney, PA) on Tuesday, October 24, 2017:

Ethel M. Neal, age 97, passed away on Oct. 21, 2017, after a long illness, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

She was born on July 23, 1920, in Canoe Township, Indiana County, Pa., a daughter of the late Zora (Hawk) and Lynn Sutter.

A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Ethel centered her life around her family and friends. She leaves behind many cherished memories and will be greatly missed.

Ethel was a longtime Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates fan. She loved country/western music, square dancing with Pete, going to the Mahoning Hills Senior Citizen Center with her many friends and doing all types of crafts, playing Bingo, crocheting, knitting, etc.

She is survived by her beloved sister, friend and caregiver, Gloria Shaffer, and her husband Gordon of Rossiter, and seven grandchildren: grandson Frederick Faipler and wife Cara of Moodus, Connecticut; granddaughter Brenda Pearson and husband Mark of Old Lyme, Connecticut; grandson Terry Faipler of Colchester, Connecticut; grandson Thomas Faipler; granddaughter Deborah Springer and husband Ray of Plainville, Connecticut; grandson Donald Huey and wife Andrea of Terryville, Connecticut and granddaughter Denise Wodecki and husband Danny of Longs, South Carolina.

Ethel is also survived by her 12 great-grandchildren, Eugene "Jack" Faipler, Danielle Faipler, TJ Faipler, Jessie Faipler, Nicholas Faipler, Adam Faipler, Jennifer Carroll, Sarah Gray, Savannah Huey, Jordan Wodecki, Jalen Wodecki and Alexis Wodecki; one great-great-grandson, Connor Carroll; and many nieces and nephews, whom she adored.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene "Pete" Neal; daughters Louise Faipler and Karen Sali; son Eugene "Popeye" Neal; and son-in-law Jack Sali. Ethel was also predeceased by her seven brothers and five sisters: Charles Sutter, Gerald Sutter, Alvis Sutter, Max Sutter, Marvin Sutter, Homer Ray Sutter, Lorraine Sutter, Mary Gaston, Dorothy Kanouff, Bernice Smith, Frances Sutter and Madalene Lunger.

Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, at the Deeley Funeral Home, 33 Hillcrest Drive, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at the funeral home, with Pastor Donald Brauer officiating.

Interment will be in Pearce Cemetery, Rossiter.

Online condolences may be made at www.deeleyfuneralhome.com.

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