Ethel K. Hance

Danville - Ethel K. Hance, 91, of Danville passed away at 10:38 AM on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Danville Care Center. She was born on November 22, 1923 in Danville to Fred J. and Martha Marie (Wahlfeldt) Starkey. She married Russell H. Hance on November 20, 1941. He preceded her in death on March 27, 1996. She is survived by four children, Daniel Glen (Sarah) Hance of Lebanon, IL, Nana Gail (Edward) Bone of Sedalia, MO, Barney Lee (Marietta) Hance of Danville, and Milia Beth (Vernon) Bergkoetter of Williamsport, IN; 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; two special “extended” family members, Abby Hosseini and Ashley Marrow; and all of her loved nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by seven siblings, Alice, Harold, Margaret, Wayne, Curtis, Fred, and Bob; and her parents. Ethel was a teenage bride during WWII and wanted to go to college, but knew she couldnt realize that dream when her children began to arrive. Just like Rosie the Riveter, she worked in a war factory making Army equipment. She was a strong woman with moxie and taught her children to think for themselves. Ethel had worked in food service at the Danville VA until her retirement. She will be remembered by those who knew her as a compassionate woman who devoted much of her time to those less fortunate than she. She enjoyed sewing and making items for those who needed them most. Ethel also spent her free time using her voice by writing articles speaking out for humanitarianism. She loved to care for others and always made a positive impression on those she met. She also had a great respect for nature and loved wildlife, especially hummingbirds. A service to celebrate the life of Ethel K. Hance will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Pastor Jeremy Zerkle will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday, January 16, also at Sunset in Danville. Memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research, www.michaeljfox.org, (800)708-7644. Please join Ethels family in sharing memories, photos, and video of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.