Obituary for Ethel L. Colestock Whipple Ethel Lucile Colestock Whipple, Daughter of Arie and Martha (Dickenson) Colestock, Wife of the Late Virgil Cornielious Whipple, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on May 7th, at age 97 (and a half). The oldest of 4, she has one surviving sibling Doris Jean Colestock Cohee (Preceded in death by Ralph “Bud” Colestock, Mitt Colestock Gordan). Ethel was born on September 20, 1920 in Rush County, Indiana.
A very talented and generous lady, she had numerous accomplishments. In an age when most women finished school at 8th grade, Ethel completed high school with honors. She also scored highest in the state of California, and second in the nation, on her Civil Service Exam with a 99%.
She was an avid reader with an extensive library, and a very skilled seamstress for many years. In her later years Ethel maintained a very active lifestyle, volunteering in the community. She led crafting classes at the Rush County Senior Center, and spent many years enjoying activities and fellowship at “The Center”.
She received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service, Senior Volunteer of the Year in 1996. Ethel also served as the Area 9 Secretary. As a lifelong member of Ben Davis Creek Christian Church, she was very active and cared for the church building for many years.
She joyfully saw many of her children and grandchildren baptized there, regularly offering rides to church to her friends and family. In addition to her volunteer work, Ethel had an immense love of nature, always growing flowers and appreciating God’s beauty all around her, often taking stunning amateur nature photos. She loved to experience new things, like skateboarding and learning to roller blade in her 80s!
She adored her yearly themed birthday parties, which she expected all attendees to arrive in costume. Ethel’s proudest accomplishment is being the matriarch of 5 generations. She is loved and adored by her 8 children (Esther Davis, Lu Young, Jane Young, Pat Sorenson, Lewis Whipple and wife Linda, Tom Whipple, wife Darlene, Marie Cook, husband John; Preceded in death by her son Chester Whipple), 35 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren and 39 great-great Grandchildren (and their partners and spouses): All of whom faithfully received Anniversary cards, Graduation cards, and Birthday Cards with crisp $1 bills from “Grandma Whipple”.
Ethel’s favorite day of the year was the annual family reunion, which she coordinated, with her sister, into her late 90s. Services will be held at Moster Mortuary, 334 N Main Street Rushville, IN on Saturday, May 12th at 10am, with Howard Bullard presiding. Viewing Friday, May 11 from 4pm-8pm.
Burial will be in East Hill Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, in honor of her love for “The Center,” donations can be made to the Rush County Senior Center. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ethel L. Colestock Whipple please visit our Sympathy Store.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
