Ethel Adora Roehsel

Ethel Adora Brower Roehsel, 94, of Salem, Virginia went home to be with the Lord Saturday, December 26, 2015. She passed away at home from natural causes. Born in Detroit, Michigan on March 15, 1921, she was the second born of six siblings. She was predeceased by her parents, James E. and Ida H. Brower; as well as her brother, James M. Brower and sister, Agnes (Aggie) Myers. She is survived by her sisters, Virginia (Ginny) Francis of DeMotte Indiana, and Rosa Lee Klekamp of Perry, Kansas; and brother Alvin (Al) Brower of Plymouth, Indiana. She lived the majority of her life in Chicago, Illinois where she was a devoted member of New Life Community Church. She worked as a spot welder during World War II. She was extremely skilled in hand crafts, and created a multitude of beautiful things over the years. During her later years she worked as a Supervisor at Harper Leather Goods, a manufacturer of pet products, which gave her the opportunity to express the love and passion she always had for pets, especially dogs. She moved, along with her son Harry, to Salem, Virginia in 2005 to live with her daughter. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Virginia (Ginny) Nowlin of Salem, Virginia; and son Carl Clayton, of Fort Worth, Texas. She was predeceased by two sons, Harold (Harry) and Allen Clayton. Other survivors include her grandchildren, Joann (J.D.) Sprouse, Melvin (Martha) Nowlin, Gary (Maryellen) Nowlin, Carl Clayton Jr., and Harold Clayton. In addition to raising her three children she also had two special nieces, Marie Conquest and Marge Nichols, that she watched during the day while their parents worked during their growing up years. She is also survived by several other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and a host of other relatives and devoted friends. She was a tiny lady but lived a big life. She was often found reading the Bible and Guideposts, and even when she was homebound found a way to get to church by watching it on television. A memorial service celebrating Ethels life and honoring this gentle, kind person will be held in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Virginia on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 3 p.m. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Ezekiel Jones Jr., and her caregivers Roger King, Cathy Turner, Konstance McConnell, and Jessica Hunt for their compassionate and tender care. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com. Arrangements by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.Service Information

Thursday, December 31st, 2015 3:00pm,

John M. Oakey & Son Chapel

305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153