Ethel R. Hurst

Ethel was born on February 12, 1914, to Samuel Amos Reed and Fannie Catherine Behrens in Haskew, Ok. She met her future husband while visiting family in Hemet, Ca. and knew instantly that they would marry. They married on April 26, 1938, in Yuma, Arizona and had their first child in 1939 and soon after moved back to Oklahoma. Two sons were quickly added to the family. In April 1947 a tornado swept through Woodward, Ok. and decimated their home as well as the town. Looking for a new start they moved to Fresno, Ca., where they bought a small house that would be their home for the next 50 plus years. Once her children were in school Ethel began to work in the local elementary school cafeteria. She quickly advanced to become the manager and continued working there for 26 years. She retired to be able to care for her husband as having someone to care for was her greatest joy. She was very industrious and kept herself busy with sewing, quilting, crochet and embroidery projects, which she shared with her family, friends and the community. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Chase Hurst; and daughter, Jeannine Smith. She is survived by one brother and two sisters in Oklahoma; two sons, Layne Hurst and his wife Judy, and Lynn Hurst and his wife Diane, both of Fresno; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens, Cornelia and Hwy. 180 (Whitesbridge Road) on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at 1:00 p.m., with appreciation for friends and family following at Stephens and Bean Reception Hall, 202 Teilman Ave., Fresno, Ca. 93706. Remembrances may be directed to Fresno Rescue Mission, 310 G Street, Fresno, Ca. 93706. STEPHENS & BEAN CHAPEL 202 No. Teilman Ave. Fresno (559)268-9292 stephensandbean.com