Ethel Rebecca (Larrew) Ansley was born in Haswell, CO late at night of Thursday, May 12, 1927. Her dad was present, a superstitious man, did not want her born on Friday the 13th. She was the fifth of thirteen children born to Roy and Ruth Larrew and helped raise her younger siblings. Ethel attended all twelve years of school at the Haswell Public School and graduated with three other girls.
Basketball was a passion of Ethel's and she played all through high school, going to state her senior year. After graduation, Ethel drove truck for the local lumber company and farmed with her brothers. Her younger sister Zetta had to be with her no matter what she was doing.
After graduation, Ethel and Paul were married in Garden City, Kansas on a trip to take Ethel's mom to visit Ethel's sister. They were married 67 years. They ranched in Haswell, Karval, Fairplay and Orchard, CO. Ethel was a mother first, but also worked outside the home. She was a postal clerk for a number of years. One of her greatest joys was attending her kids' activities. Another passion was barrel racing with her horse, Chief. Ethel was born in a time when framework of family was the emphasis of life. She lived and taught this to her family by teaching and example. Her love for the Lord showed through everything she did.
Paul and Ethel, along with their four sons, operated the K-4 Ranch in Orchard for a number of years before retiring and moving to Kersey. Paul passed in 2012 and Ethel remained in the home spending hours tending to her flowers and yard until the last couple of years.
She is survived by daughters, Charlotte Hansen of Kersey and Pamela Rucker (Rick) of Potter, NE; sons, Rod Ansley (Sandy) of Seneca, NE, Den Ansley (Rona) of Lemoyne, NE and Scott Ansley (Tawanna) of Harrisburg, NE; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Ansley of Hemmingford, NE and a nephew raised like a son, Mike Herrell of Fowler; twelve grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Also surviving is two sisters, Phyliss Taylor of Walsenburg and Joyce Pfeiff of Pueblo; a brother, Leland of Pueblo and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, son Chester, granddaughter Melanie and son-in-law Ron Hansen.
A very special thank you to Bristol Hospice and their staff. Ethel had a special place in her heart for all who cared for her.
There will be no service. Memorial contributions may be made to Bristol Hospice in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th St., Greeley, CO 80634.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at stoddardsunset.com for the Ansley family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17