Ethel Jean McCormick

     Ethel Jean (Graham) McCormick was born to Benjamin and Lucille on May 28, 1937 in Emmett, Idaho. She was 87 years old when she joined her son Kenny and grandson Ben in Heaven on September 10, 2024. She moved to Albany, Oregon in 1946. She attended West Albany High School and in 1952, as a sophomore, she met the love of her life, Bill McCormick. During her high school years, she was very involved in activities. A couple favorites were rally squad and sock hops. On September 23, 1955 she and Bill were married in Albany, Oregon and that was the beginning of their wonderful life together. Over the next 6 years their family grew with the addition of their 4 children. She and Bill purchased their home on Crystal Lake Drive in 1960. After working a few jobs here and there during her children’s early years, she began working for Richey’s Market as a Cashier and then moved into a Meat Wrapper position. She eventually left Richey’s Market and began working for Fred Meyer, continuing as a Meat Wrapper. She was forced to retire due to health issues and that transitioned into her starting Ethel’s Daycare in the mid-1970s. During her 30 plus years of daycare there were hundreds of “Ethel’s Kids” that were cared for at her home in southeast Corvallis. Many of the families remained in touch and were considered close friends years after she retired. Starting in the early 1970s her sons became very involved in racing motorcycles. She was a prominent figure at the race tracks which led to another nickname of “Moto Mom” at the Oregon and Washington Motocross tracks. In addition to her children’s activities, she enjoyed many crafting hobbies: candle making, macrame, ceramics, scrapbooking, and painting rocks. Other pastimes included reading, flower gardening, weekly hair appointments and hosting family gatherings. Christmas was her and Bill’s absolute favorite and they decorated every room of their home to the hilt. Ethel did not grow up with great means but she turned her lack into a fierce love of her family. Family was everything to her and nobody she cared for and loved would ever go without. She didn’t know how to have a gathering without providing a delicious spread of food. She was a true caregiver which led to a cherished time with her mother-in-law Doris in 2006 during her final year. They shared a meaningful and close relationship. Ethel was known for her outgoing personality, a sweet balance of feisty and loving. A couple of her favorite sayings were “this too shall pass” and “memories are made of this.” During her final months she proved to be an excellent patient. She would say “if you say so” when instructed to take medicine or take a drink of water. She was loved deeply by many. Ethel is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Bill, son Billy (Michelle), son Mike (Janice), daughter DeDe (Mike), 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren (with another one on the way very soon), sister-in-law Janice (Tari), daughter-in-law Teri and several nephews and nieces. She was proceeded in death by her parents, son Kenny, grandson Ben, great grandson Connor, sister Nancy, brother Berle, son-in-law Dave, sister-in law Kathy and a close cousin Lonnie.

Please join our family in celebrating the life and memories of Ethel McCormick on Sunday, September 22nd, 2:00pm at The Corvallis Elks Lodge 1400 NW 9th St. Corvallis, Oregon

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Ethel’s memory to Lumina Hospice in Corvallis, Oregon