Ethel Calkins

Ethel Chambers Calkins was born February 27, 1912 in Massena, Iowa to Rollie Henry and Sadie Amelia Denham Chambers. Ethel entered eternal rest on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa at the age of ninety-nine years.
As a child Ethel attended rural schools in Massena Township Pine Grove neighborhood. She graduated from Massena High School. Following graduation Ethel taught school for six years.
On May 25, 1939 Ethel was united in marriage to Dale Calkins in Carl, Iowa. After their marriage they farmed in Lincoln Township Adams County. In 1953 they bought and moved into the farm home that was purchased by Dale’s grandfather 1873 making them the third generation to live on the same farm. The couple was blessed with four children: Janice, Jean, Jackie and Doug. In 1973 their farm became a century farm.
One of Ethel’s favorite memories was traveling to Chicago to attend the World’s Fair.
Ethel was extremely active in her community. She was a member of Lincoln Center United Methodist Church, Lincoln Center Ladies Aid, Rose Ann Auxiliary, Extension Council Member, Happy Housewife Club, Get Acquainted Club and the Cumberland Federated Garden Club. Ethel was a 4H Leader, Lincoln Township Republican Chairperson and Delegate to State Convention.
Ethel especially enjoyed her garden, flowers and making quilts. Ethel and Dale belonged to Lincoln Center Bowling League, the Hazel Grove Pinochle Club and they also enjoyed summer traveling. Ethel dearly loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them and her friends.
She leaves to cherish her memories: daughter, Janice Calkins of Corning, Iowa; daughter, Jean (Larry) Tietz of Griswold, Iowa; daughter, Jackie (Bruce) Mentzer of Schaller, Iowa; son, Doug (Elaine) Calkins of Cumberland, Iowa; five grandchildren: Deidre Tietz, Jamie (Mandi) Calkins, Andrea (Corey) Yearington, Sara (Chad) Steinkamp and Mitch (Jenn) Mentzer; seven great-grandchildren: Spencer, Logan and Dalton Calkins, Hunter and McKenna Yearington, Josie Ann and Jamison Steinkamp; sister-in-law, Rosemary Wilcynski of Tacoma, Washington; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Dale Calkins in 2008; grandson, Marc Calkins; her parents; four sisters: Edna Lantz, Emma Garside, Evelyn Devereaux and Edith McPherren.