Ethel Stewart, 86

Ethel Stewart, 86, of Helena, passed unexpectedly but peacefully of lung cancer on Dec. 11, 2009, at St. Peters Hospital. Ethel was born Sept. 6, 1923, in Eglon Township, Minn., the youngest of four children, to Henry and Jessie Estrin. Ethel moved to Seattle in 1945 and married Joel Stewart the same year. After World War II they moved to St Louis, and lived there until 1966 when they moved to East Helena to fulfill a dream of owning and operating their own business by building Stewart s Trailer Court and Campground. Ethel s life was spent dedicated to her family and friends. She retired from Mountain View School for Girls in 1985. She worked with the girls with care and love for 19 years. She enjoyed serving her community. Ethel loved being a volunteer in the gift shop at St. Peters Hospital the last few years. She was also a member of and enjoyed The Red Hatters Gang. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Joel; and son, Dan. She and her husband Joel were married for 55 years until his death in 2003. Her beloved son Dan passed away in 2002 in an automobile accident. Ethel is survived by three children and her daughter-in-law, Joan Stewart. Her daughter Debbie and husband Robert Petek live in Bigfork, and have four children, Chris (Capt. USAF) and his wife Trish, Chad, Lindsey, and Chelsey. Joan lives in East Helena with her and Dan s children, Joel, Tim and Jennifer. Her son Glen and wife Monika live in San Diego. Her son Terry, his wife Cindy, and children, Cody and Shelby, reside in Edgewood, Wash. A memorial service was held for Ethel on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at East Helena United Methodist Church in East Helena. A fellowship reception followed at the church. Interment at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison followed the reception. Memorials may be made in Ethel s name to the East Helena United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 850, East Helena, MT 59635; or Montana State Veterans Cemetery, P.O. Box 1500, Fort Harrison, MT 59636.