Ethel Spies

Ethel Spies, aged 99, passed away peacefully at her home on April 12, 2019. Ethel Schuster Spies was born on November 12, 1919 on the family farm near Warsaw, ND to Max and Laura (Misialek) Schuster.  She went to a one room school through 7^th grade, Warsaw convent for 8^th and 9^th in Grafton.  She loved learning and reading was an important part of her life.

She met Cyril H. Spies, an employee of Grafton Gamble’s while she worked at the local dime store. They were married in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Warsaw, on October 27, 1938.

They lived in Grafton, Sauk Center, MN, and Devil’s Lake before settling in Grand Forks in 1955.  Ethel worked in piece goods at the downtown JC Penny’s and as an office worker at the Columbia Mall location—1962-1985.  Cyril passed in 1975.

Ethel was an active member of Holy Family Parish, a member of Catholic Daughters and an avid bridge player. She was a wonderful, loving mother, grandmother, friend and a faith filled woman. Ethel had a wonderful smile and laugh that will be forever missed by those who love her.

She is survived by 3 sons: Tyrone (Pat), Randy (Kris) and Craig—2 daughters: Yvonne Hanley and Margot (Frank) Kohl—daughter-in-law: Debra Spies—14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Cyril; her son, Rod; her son-in-law, Jim Hanley; her granddaughter, Pam Solseng; her brothers, Richard; Raphael; Leonard, and a sister, Amelia French.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial: 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 23, 2019. Visitation one hour before the service at Holy Family Catholic Church