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Ethel K. Silva
03/22/1932 — 10/09/2004
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Red Rock, Oklahoma
Ethel K. Silva
Ethel Lee Kidd was born on March 22, 1932 in Red Rock, Okla., and died Oct. 8, 2004 at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Wash.
Ethel was born and raised on various farms near Ponca City, Okla. She was the youngest of 10 children born to Joseph Waln Kidd and Mable Florence Ott Kidd. The family was poor, but her parents placed a high value on education. One of her fondest memories from her childhood was of the family reading aloud to each other in the evenings. She enjoyed playing the pump organ at Grandma Evans house with friends. In high school Ethel was a member of the Red Rock High School basketball team, where she was honored as outstanding female athlete. She was consistently on the honor roll and was the valedictorian of her class, graduating in 1950.
In 1954 her poem, The Impatient Traveler, was published in the Annual Anthology of College Poetry. Ethel received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Oklahoma State University then Oklahoma A&M in 1955. That year she surprised her parents by moving to Portales, N.M. to teach ninth-grade English just a few days after getting her drivers license. While in Portales, she took a bus tour to Mexico, which she always remembered fondly.
In 1957, Ethel was hired to teach English and math at Richland then Columbia High School. She was very surprised on arrival in Eastern Washington to see that there were no trees in the Evergreen State. While in Richland she was awarded a scholarship given to outstanding science and math teachers from the National Science Foundation to attend San Diego State College for the next school year. During her time in Richland, she met Frederic A. Silva. They were married on the day of her final exam, in San Diego.
The couple settled in Richland. Ethel resumed teaching at Columbia High School, but resigned after one year to begin her new career as a mother. Her daughters Jeanette and Valerie were born in Richland. Freds job took them around the United States to live in Idaho Falls, Idaho; Las Vegas, Nev.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Newport News, Va.; Gautier, Miss.; Poulsbo, Wash.; and finally back to Richland. Her son Gregory was born while the couple was living in Las Vegas. During this period she returned to the workforce, substitute teaching, editing for Battelle Northwest, then teaching at Columbia Basin College and Trend Business College. She and Fred divorced in 1980. Ethel remained in Richland, teaching at Trend and volunteering as a tutor, eventually finishing her career as the office manager at the Neurological Center in Richland. She retired in February 2004.
Ethel was active at Richland Lutheran Church, serving on numerous boards and volunteering in many capacities. After her divorce she started traveling more, often with two of her sisters, Deanie Claudine and Midge Marjorie. Among her more memorable travels were a trip to England and France, visiting her daughter Valerie in Kenya, and cruises to Alaska and the Bahamas. She was very active, enjoying long walks, gardening, playing bridge, sewing & needlework, reading, and word games and puzzles of all sorts. She also enjoyed writing humorous poetry, especially for birthdays, etc. She was a patron of the local arts community, especially The Richland Players and The Community Concerts.
In 1986 her son Greg married Laura Jean Dagle. One of the greatest joys of Ethels later life was being a grandmother to Jennifer and Michelle. In her last two years Ethel struggled with cardiac arrhythmia which eventually led to her death. Her parents and siblings Leon, Anna, Marietta, John, and Hazel preceded her in death. She is survived by siblings Charles, Harold, Claudine, and Marjorie, daughters Jeanette Silva of Seattle, Valerie Silva of Richland, son and daughter-in-law Gregory and Laura Silva of Dublin, Ohio, and grandchildren Jennifer and Michelle Silva. All of her surviving family and her many friends will miss her dearly, but we are comforted to know she is now with her Savior in her heavenly home.
A memorial service will be held at Richland Lutheran Church at 3pm on Thursday, October 14th. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Richland Lutheran Church, 901 Van Giesen St. Richland, WA 99354 or to The Neurological Center, 712 Swift Blvd. Ste 1, Richland, WA 99352.
I have such fond memories of spending time at the Silva house with my dear friend Jeanette while in high school and at Richland Lutheran Church. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Your mother will always be an important part of your lifes and you will see her in each of your every day lives and as you watch your children grow. Know that your mother will be missed greatly, but is now with her Lord and Savior. One day your family will be together again – in Heaven!
We miss Ethel so much. Her kindness, calm, humor, appreciation of beauty, and love of God are fondly remembered. We had fun with all the eating, playing, trips, shows, dare I say square-dancing….The girls had so much fun with the sleep-overs, gardening, cooking, and wearing their fine dresses so creatively tailored by their grandmother just for them. I have so many happy memories, but am still sad to realize it’s all in the past.
I was sorry to hear of Ethel’s death. She was a gentle, caring voice on the phone whenever I called the Neurological Center for my executive director colleague before I retired. Ethel and I shared pleasant times during AARP’s safe driving classes, too, in 1998 and 2000. I know she will be missed, but she is in a peaceful place.
I knew Ethel through church and Val. She was always involved with something at RLC. She lived a full life, and I’m sure she is so joyful now, spending quality time with her Lord.
I’m so sorry for your loss! I have such fond memories growing up with your family at Richaland Lutheran and Hanford. My thoughts and prays are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Val, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad, yet joyful time too — as you look back on special and fun! memories and also forward, knowing that your Mom is now dancing on streets of gold. Reading through the obituary that you and Greg wrote brought a smile to my face and made it easy to see how you got to be the treasure you are! May you sense the Lord’s presence with you in a very special way these days, and may you know His refreshing grace and joy in all the days to come.
Love, DebR
Thank you for sharing this obituary, and giving us a glimpse of the wonderful person you’ve known as mother, sister and friend. It is obvious she was a blessing to you. I especially liked the acknowledgement that there is “comfort knowing she is now with her savior.” May that comfort give you hope, and joyful anticipation for the great day of reunion!
Peace be with you all.
Pastor Jim Wilson
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Worthington, OH 43235
She surely must have been a grand lady – she has three great children who represent her well. Love, Carol
We only got to know Ethel at the last few family reunions and will miss her very much when we get together again. We all know she is home with God now and is watching over you. With our Love, Larry & Terrie
I have such fond memories of spending time at the Silva house with my dear friend Jeanette while in high school and at Richland Lutheran Church. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Your mother will always be an important part of your lifes and you will see her in each of your every day lives and as you watch your children grow. Know that your mother will be missed greatly, but is now with her Lord and Savior. One day your family will be together again – in Heaven!
We miss Ethel so much. Her kindness, calm, humor, appreciation of beauty, and love of God are fondly remembered. We had fun with all the eating, playing, trips, shows, dare I say square-dancing….The girls had so much fun with the sleep-overs, gardening, cooking, and wearing their fine dresses so creatively tailored by their grandmother just for them. I have so many happy memories, but am still sad to realize it’s all in the past.
I was sorry to hear of Ethel’s death. She was a gentle, caring voice on the phone whenever I called the Neurological Center for my executive director colleague before I retired. Ethel and I shared pleasant times during AARP’s safe driving classes, too, in 1998 and 2000. I know she will be missed, but she is in a peaceful place.
I knew Ethel through church and Val. She was always involved with something at RLC. She lived a full life, and I’m sure she is so joyful now, spending quality time with her Lord.
I’m so sorry for your loss! I have such fond memories growing up with your family at Richaland Lutheran and Hanford. My thoughts and prays are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Val, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad, yet joyful time too — as you look back on special and fun! memories and also forward, knowing that your Mom is now dancing on streets of gold. Reading through the obituary that you and Greg wrote brought a smile to my face and made it easy to see how you got to be the treasure you are! May you sense the Lord’s presence with you in a very special way these days, and may you know His refreshing grace and joy in all the days to come.
Love, DebR
Thank you for sharing this obituary, and giving us a glimpse of the wonderful person you’ve known as mother, sister and friend. It is obvious she was a blessing to you. I especially liked the acknowledgement that there is “comfort knowing she is now with her savior.” May that comfort give you hope, and joyful anticipation for the great day of reunion!
Peace be with you all.
Pastor Jim Wilson
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Worthington, OH 43235
She surely must have been a grand lady – she has three great children who represent her well. Love, Carol
We only got to know Ethel at the last few family reunions and will miss her very much when we get together again. We all know she is home with God now and is watching over you. With our Love, Larry & Terrie
We remember Ethel fondly and will miss her very much. We have known her for many years since Greg and Jeff were in Scouts together. We became one family when Laura and Greg were married. We shared Holidays, vacations especially Disney and many fun times together.
I met Ethel while attending Trend College back in 1984. We linked up again after she went to work at the Neurological Center. I would come over from Seattle to visit my friend Rachel Lee Childress and we would stop by and see Ethel. She will be missed by all who knew her.
I am ethel’s second cousin once removed. Our common ancestor is Andrew Kidd, George Washington Kidd’s father. I am sorry that I never got to know her but want you to know I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I know she is now in the presence of our Lord
Michael
I knew Ethel from church and I volunteered at the Neuological Center. Just two weeks ago she was at the Center when we did the newsletter. She was such a kind person. May the family find peace in knowing that she is with her Lord and Savior. Prayers are with the family.
I met Ethel while attending Trend College in 1984. I was thrilled when she applied for a job at the Neurological Center. Knowing what a wonderful English teacher she was, she was hired on the spot. She was a great co-worker and contributed so much to the Center. I will miss her very much.
What can I say? Aunt Ethel was an extraordinary person. You can hear the reflection of her sweet soul in the various remembrances of her. She wasn’t just a beloved aunt, she was one of my favorite people. My heart is with you guys – Jeannette, Val, Greg & co.
Ethel was a very special aunt to me. She was a role model and mentor as I grew up. Our children were born about the same time and I have many wonderful memories of her.
Elaine Hughes
I believe Ethel was the kindest and “gentlest” of people to come into my life. I met her when she came to visit Val in Kenya and her kind and gentle ways were a breath of grace-filled air. She exemplified “grace under pressure” as she rode in the Suzuki around Nairobi and out to Kisii country. I’ve never forgotten that! May you, her family, realize that her character qualities, of which there were many, live on in you. Mungu awabariki wote!
In the love of Jesus, Who is The Resurrection and The Life,
Deb H.
I did not get to see my Aunt Ethel often enough due to the miles separating us but will remember her as an extremely kind and gentle person with a quiet but hilarious sense of humor. I have enjoyed hearing about the traveling adventures of Deanie my mom, Ethel and Midge through the years and know that Ethel will be missed by many, many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Janice
She was a super sister, traveling companion, such fun to be with and a caring person. I will miss our emails to one another and to Midge, as we usually mailed two of us at once. Loved her much.
Ethel was one of the sweetest, gentlest ladies it has been our pleasure to know. Now it is the Lord’s pleasure! Blessings to you, her family, Zemmie and Stuart.
I first remember Aunt Ethel as the dashing college student who visited us in Oklahoma City. She took me to visit her parents, my grandparents, when I was about 5 but still wanted children of her own.
My family’s love and prayers are with all of you now.
Ann
we are so sorry for your loss, as a family it is hard to lose someone who is the world to you and it is especially hard to lose your mom . friend . and the one who holds your world together we will miss her and pray for peace for your entire family. our love lewis and evelyn kidd
Dear Val,
I was so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
God Bless you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Tony and Martha
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Ethel K. Silva