Ethel Mae Porter

Ethel was born in Wilkins, Pennsylvania on July 21, 1928, the daughter of Josephine and Emanuel Swartz and sister to William, Earl, and Donald. She graduated from Turtle Creek High School in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania where she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Porter, while working in a local G. C. Murphy 5 & 10. It was love at first sight for Bill. He always claimed that “he met his million-dollar baby in a 5 and 10 cent store.” They were married for over 50 years before he preceded her in death in 1998. Ethel and Bill had three children; William Porter (Linda) of Davenport, Iowa, Robert Porter (Peggy) of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and JoAnn Bielmeier (Kevin) of Stafford, Connecticut.

Mostly a stay-at-home mom, Ethel also worked as a nurse’s aide, a grocery store cashier, and a department store associate after her children had grown. Her husband’s job required frequent relocations and Ethel enjoyed decorating the many residences that she had in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Indiana, Texas, and Iowa. Vivacious and friendly with a smile that could light up a room, she made many friends every place that she lived. Ethel enjoyed playing board and card games, travelling, shopping for decorating bargains, “girl talk” with her granddaughters and great granddaughters, volunteering at the Friendly Thrift Shop at The Center in Davenport, and baking her famous cinnamon rolls and nut horns for her family on holidays. She loved her friends, her family, and anyone who loved her friends or family. There was always room for more. Blessed with an abiding faith in Jesus Christ, Ethel was active in congregations, Sunday Schools, and Bible studies, wherever she resided.

In addition to her three children, those left on earth to carry on her love of life, are eight grandchildren; William Porter III (Jacki), Rebecca Parr (Scott), Robert Porter (Charlotte), Barbara Johnson (Daniel), Michelle Jones (Brad), Benjamin Porter (Andrea), Cassandra Bielmeier, and Madison Bielmeier and sixteen great grandchildren residing in Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Her positive influence on her family is widespread.

Ethel has been cremated and the final resting place for her remains will be with her husband Bill on Maui. Memorial services will be at a later date.

If you loved Ethel, please consider a tribute donation to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (curealz.org).