Ethel Marilyn Harrington

Ethel Marilyn Harrington, 95, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on Friday Dec.29,2023 in her home, 5:17pm surrounded by Family. Ethel was born on June 25,1928 in Vermillion, South Dakota, the Daughter of Lee & Amy Millage. She graduated from Vermillion High School in 1946, married Robert (Bob) Harrington Dec.14,1947. They met at a social dance, and the rest is history. They moved to Clear Lake, Iowa around 1956, where they raised their 3 children. She enjoyed being a full time homemaker, baking, camping & fishing. Later in Life - playing cards & watching Fox News. Ethel was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, and a Board Member of the Clear Lake Senior Center. She said her 5 greatest achievements in life were being a good Wife, Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma & Friend. Married 59 years before Bob passed in 2005. Her last 15 years were spent living with her Daughter Pam & Son-In-Law Scott Riley in Maple Grove, MN; then Ocala, Florida which she called “Paradise”. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, all 10 siblings (including twin sister that died at birth), her husband Bob, and her oldest Son David Harrington of Clear Lake. Left to cherish her memory are her Son Steve Harrington (Opal) & Daughter Pam Riley (Scott). Her Grandchildren John Harrington (Kristi), Sheri Prescott (Tony), Willem Riley, Adam Harrington (Shawna), and Amber Harrington. Her Great Grandchildren Bethany (Michael), Braden, Bailey, Savannah, Alisa, Levi, Joshua, Cora, Stephen, Davis & Lucy. Our Family will be hosting a Celebration of Life Open House sometime in the next few months. We extend our gratitude to all of you that made Moms life so rich with Relationships. You were her treasure here on Earth. God Bless You! And we wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern, and kindness you all have shown us. —-————————-FROM MOM’S LIPS——————————— Favorite Food - “Sausage Gravy & Biscuits” Favorite Vacation Spot - “Rapid City, South Dakota” Most Brave Moment - “When my siblings dared me to fly on a rope in the barn” Favorite Childhood Candy - “We were poor so we didn’t have candy, but Dad made us sugar popcorn” Favorite Childhood Activity - “Riding my horse” Childhood Best Friend - “My brother Leo” If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change - “Not to worry so much and find more peace everyday. Learn more about my God.” If you could change one thing about another person, what would you change - “They could forgive & love every member in their family. No judgements or division.” What were the greatest gifts you have received in your life - “Getting to live with my daughter & son-in-law” “My grandson John flew me 1st Class to Germany” “His Daughter Bethany had me as her Flower Girl in her wedding” Describe a Perfect Day in your Life - “My wedding was in an ice storm and our 1st meal was 2 chili dogs, it was all we could afford” What advice would you give others - “Live, Love & Laugh. Make God your love & know Him. Be kind and love life! —-————————-FROM DAUGHTER PAM——————————— Mom taught me many things over my lifetime, and additional things over these past 15 years she lived with Scott & I. But I learned the most from her during her last 58 days here on earth: I watched her humility as I bathed her. I watched her gratitude as I fed her, when she couldn’t hold a fork. I watched her acceptance when her brain could no longer talk to her legs. During her last 24 hours: She embraced the realization that she was leaving this world. She was pleasantly surprised when I told her she was staying home, and the nurses had agreed to come to us. Then with deep loving eyes fixed on me she said, “I’m really going to miss you from Heaven!” Eight words I will cherish every day until I’m with her there! Her last 12 hours: Multiple family & friends flew in & drove here, to say their goodbyes! The greatest farewell gift she ever could have asked for! RELATIONSHIPS were her treasure here on earth! She also gave me one final gift (a thank you) - she waited to be in my arms before she took her final breaths. A mother who’s message of love was there to the very end. The true power of love!!!!

Ethel Marilyn Harrington

June 25, 1928 - December 29, 2023