Ethel Davis

Ethel Mae (Ibison) Davis was born on May 25, 1927 in St. Louis, Missouri to Frank and Ruth Ibison. Ethel was the second of seven children in a family that survived the depression, growing stronger through it because of their bond around struggles and hard work. At age sixteen, Ethel made her first solo journey to Portland, Oregon where she worked in a defense plant shipyard as a welder and in administration, sending checks home to her family. At the age of nineteen, she visited her parents in Noel, Missouri where she met James F. Davis, who would later become her husband for over 60 years. While living in Noel, Ethel and Jim had two sons, Jim and Ted, and from that point on Ethel's life was about her kids, attending every sport and school activity in which they participated. In addition to being a fabulous baker, cook, and mender of clothes, she also took pleasure in her roles as a room mother, coach, cheerleader, and member of the PTA. Additionally, she taught herself how to paint and play the piano, sang along with Jim in the Methodist church choir, and wrote stories. One story called "The Preacher Who Came To Dinner" was an alternate selection for Reader's Digest. She held several jobs, ranging from sales to administration, and was an officer in the Eastern Star service organization which provided many valuable services to her community. But then, pleasant small town family life sometimes has to come to an end, though their end became a new beginning as her husband changed careers to become a Park Ranger, and the family moved to Kansas. There, Ethel fashioned their home, formed more friendships, and became Ted's school bus driver, taking him nine miles both to and from school each day. However, living in the isolation of the recreational park, they yearned to return to Missouri. Three years later, they did return, but this time to the town of Hermitage. There Ethel continued to be an advocate for her sons' school activities and adventures, and in addition, held several jobs to help her son, Jim, with his college expenses. She also sold a number of her paintings at a local art shop; made friends who would endure throughout her lifetime; renewed her love for swimming, boating, and picnicking; and launched her new favorite pastime, playing golf. To add to this part of her journey, Ethel decided to get her college degree, making A's and B's in all of her coursework, and completing all requirements aside from student teaching. She loved college, became a voracious reader, and continued learning new things throughout her lifetime. Retirement ensued, and Ethel and Jim moved to Fremont Hills Country Club, Missouri where they lived for over 30 years developing many friendships and happy memories. Her full life during this time included avidly golfing, becoming a master Bridge player, playing and teaching Mahjong, and most significantly, travelling the world, which they were unable to do during their working years. Ethel and Jim together travelled the United States, Canada, and Europe, and after Jim passed, Ethel continued travelling throughout the world solo, by tour and cruise, doing so, well into her eighties. However, always most important to her, Ethel shared her happiest moments with her family. She loved her boys and their families, adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and being called Granchie, and cherished reunions with her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Her final journey was to independent living at the age of ninety, where she enjoyed teaching and playing both Bridge and Mahjong, going to water aerobics classes, and taking walks and sharing meals with her friends. Ethel brought joy to all whom she touched; her boundless zest for life, her open mind, and her kind and caring nature generated love in those who were fortunate enough to know her. She is and will continue to be missed by her family and friends. Ethel is survived by her two sons, Jim (Cari) and Ted (Karen), her two granddaughters, Kara Davis and Rebecca Estabrook (Drew), her three grandchildren Talia Hendee, Ben and Andrew Estabrook, and one brother, Dan Rufus Ibison (Mary Ann). She was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Davis, her parents, Frank and Ruth Ibison, her brothers James, Ray, and William Ibison, and her two sisters, Rose Mary Sawvell and Judy Trammell. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.