Ethel May Kick

Ethel May Butterfield Kick was born April 21, 1921 in Liberty Ville, Lake County, Illinois. In 1929, at the age of eight, her family moved from their farm into town. She completed her schooling there and met her husband-to-be, Robert Kick.

Ethel said, "I followed my daddy everywhere". She remembered a barn fire caused by wet, steaming hay. She followed her daddy into the barn, watching her father throw wet gunny sacks over the horse's heads to lead them to safety. The burning roof caved in and she became lost in smoke. Her father managed to find her and lead her out as well.

"We lived upstairs on the farm. I remember taking a bath in a galvanized tub; everyone used the same [bath] water".

On the farm they raised chickens, cows for milk, vegetables and pigs. Grandfather gave the kids a black pony along with a wicker cart. "My brother claimed it was given to him, but we shared".

During the winter Ethel's "Dad went to Diamond Lake on a big sled with runners [pulled by] two horses to the ice house". Ice that was kept in the house melted into a cistern for laundry water.

Ethel had many fond memories of the time she spent with her grandparents. She said "My grandfather raised grain for cattle. I enjoyed going to the granary with him in his wagon. We took the wheat to be ground into flour in Barrington, Illinois. Grandpa also sold vegetables in Lake Forest". "Grandfather also had a "light buggy" with a top. He also had a car with lantern lights and celluloid drapes that pulled down to cover the side windows. There were running boards to step into the car".

Ethel and Robert were married on May 28, 1939, a 59 year union before Robert's death in 1998. Five children were born to the couple; Judith, Barbara, Robert William, Daniel and Kenneth. Ethel was also blessed with 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

In 1953 the Kick family moved to Washington state. Robert worked 20 years for the Union Pacific Railroad. Ethel worked 15 years for United Airlines. She was also a "nanny" to nine other children. In 1975, upon Bob's retirement, the couple moved to Auburn, Washington, where they lived for 29 years.

Ethel will be laid to rest beside Robert, her husband of 59 years. Together Again.