WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ethel L. Hinkley, age 93, of Coldwater, and formerly of Colon, passed away at her home on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
Ethel was born a daughter to the late Elliott and Edna (McAtee) Thoms on December 7, 1927, in Colon.
Ethel grew up in Colon and graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1945. After graduating she attended Augbright Business College to obtain a general business and book keeping degree in 1946.
On June 3, 1950 Ethel married her husband of 53 years Lauren D. Hinkley in Colon. He would precede her in death on May 26, 2003. Ethel and Lauren lived in Colon until 1958 when they moved to Coldwater.
Ethel worked for Graphics 3 Inc. in Coldwater until she retired in 1987.
Ethel is survived by her children: Janette Shell of Coldwater, Laura (Thomas) Howell of Independence, Missouri, and Steven (Susan) Hinkley of Traverse City, 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 1 sister Marie Ann Wagner of Coldwater.
Besides her parents and husband, Lauren, Ethel was preceded in death by a daughter Debra Hinkley, sister Eva Jane Puffer, and brothers: Frederick Thoms, and Charles Thoms.
Following in Ethel’s wishes, a private graveside service has taken place at Lakeside Cemetery. The family asks that memorial donations be made to a food bank of one’s choice. Condolences may be left for the family at Schipperfuneralhome.com.
