Ethel Mae Chase

Ethel Mae Chase (VanPelt), age 91, went to be with her Lord Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Frank Chase Sr. and son, Frank Chase; parents William and Mary VanPelt; sister, Cerise Bartholomew; sister, Daisy Ellen Livingston; sister, Eleanor Avery; brother, William VanPelt; sister, Nancy VanPelt. She will be remembered by her children William Chase, David (Deanna) Chase, and Donald (Barbara) Chase Jr.; daughter-in-law, Sharon (Frank) Chase; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Frank VanPelt; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ethel was born March 11, 1933 in Fife Lake MI. She moved to Byron Center in 1949. She graduated from Byron Center High School in 1951, and married Donald Chase June 26, 1954.

Ethel enjoyed employment at Star Jewelry Store, Yankee Dept. Store and many years at Earl Robson’s Dept. Store as a very talented seamstress. Ethel’s great achievements came through her years as a Kent County 4-H leader; she served 58 years in this passion of her's - sharing her love for sewing, cake decorating, canning, quilting, gardening, and many other life skills. She also was a member of Carlisle Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir.

Visitation with friends and relatives will take place from 4-7 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2025 at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th Street SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. A celebration of Ethel’s life will commence 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 18, with visitation one hour prior, at the funeral home. Jeff Johnson will be officiating. In honor of Ethel and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Faith Hospice or American Heart Association. Interment will be at Winchester Cemetery. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guestbook online.