Ethel L. Smith

Ethel L. Smith 92, of Motley, died Aug. 9, at Lakewood  Health Systems Hospital in Staples. 

Funeral services were Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 11 a.m., at the Assembly of God Church in Staples. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church, and one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in the Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Arrangements were with Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.

Ethel was born Aug. 20, 1916, in Nebraska to Warren and Emma (Wardon) Carpenter. She lived most of her life in Motley and married Edward in 1963 in South Dakota. Ethel worked with her husband, who owned Smitty’s music and vending until age 90.  She also cooked at Camp Shamineau for many years.  Reading and crocheting were her favorite pastimes.

Ethel is survived by her children: Vernetta Yantes, Gillette, Wyo.; Richard “Dick” Kutzler, Glendive, Mont.; Kenneth “Ken” Kutzler, Crystal. Stepchildren: Eleanor Webster, Philbrook; James “Jim” (Eileen) Smith, Spring Lake Park; Mary Ann “Mary” (Duane) Dukowitz, Staples; John “Jack” (Dixie) Smith, Philbrook;  Jeanne Brown, Staples; Clarence “Pete” (Susie) Smith, Philbrook; Leroy (Shirley) Smith of Pillager; Edward “Boone” Smith, Philbrook; Sandra “Sandy” Killian, Staples; Loren “Hank” (Cindy) Smith, Philbrook; 48 grandchildren, 108 great-grandchildren, and 16 great, great-grandchildren;  sister-in-law, Ruth Carpenter; and many nieces and nephews.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Edward in 2008; son, Larry Kutzler; grandson Bryan Hampton, sisters, Ester Heino and Joy Schper; and brothers, Delvin “Bud” and Calvin.