Ethel Marie Shipman

Ethel Marie Bennett Shipman, 86, was gently called home to be with her Lord on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 3:05 p.m., surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. On this day, she was joyfully reunited in Heaven with her beloved husbands, James Robert Bennett and Ross Shipman; her parents; her precious son, Robert Daniel Bennett; her deeply missed grandson, Warren (Jeff) Toothman; and her sister, Thelma Phillips, who died in infancy.

Ethel was born on December 18, 1939, to John and Nellie Phillips. Ethel was the heart and backbone of her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a cherished great-grandmother. Together with her beloved James, she raised ten children and built a home rooted in faith, prayer, love, and strong values. Her life was a reflection of her faith—she didn’t just believe in God, she trusted Him, leaned on Him, and lived for Him every day. When her health allowed, Ethel found happiness in the simple, quiet joys of life—going shopping, spending time with friends who became family, loving on her animals, reading her Bible, coloring, watching old westerns, baking bread, enjoying family gatherings, and being outdoors. More than anything, she loved being in church.

Ethel was faithful to Mount Morris Gospel Tabernacle, where she felt truly at home. She loved the old hymns and worship songs and could often be found singing along, praising the Lord with a joyful and grateful heart. Her faith was steady, genuine, and unmistakable.

She leaves behind nine children who loved her dearly: Thelma Toothman, Shirley Tenney, John Bennett, Kenneth ‘Gene’ Bennett, and Sara (Lloyd) Bennett all of Waynesburg; Lesley Bennett (Paul) of Mount Morris; Fred Bennett (Terry), Victor Bennett (Pat), and David Bennett (Rhonda) all of NC. She was also blessed with 26 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. To each of them, she was more than ‘Grandma’—she was comfort, strength, honesty, guidance, and unconditional love. Ethel is also survived by her siblings: Nancy (Bob) Tankersley of WA; Norma Luketic of Smithfield; Edna Bender and Rosemary (Buzz) Loring, both of Waynesburg; Leslie ‘Bud’ (Helen) Phillips and Ruth Reed, both of WV; along with several nieces, nephews and many extended family members and dear friends.

Friends and family are invited to the visitation on Wednesday, January 7 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM and the funeral service on Thursday, January 8 at 11 AM at Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home, 197 N. Maiden St. Waynesburg, PA 15370; burial to follow at Garard's Fort Cemetery.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Amedisys Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and loving care shown to Ethel during her final days.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing she is finally home—whole, healed, and wrapped in the arms of Jesus. Until we meet again.