Ethel Eileen Defenbaugh

Ethel Eileen Defenbaugh was born on July 24, 1942, in Carroll, Iowa, to Clarence Foxhoven and Ida (Miller) Foxhoven. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manilla, Iowa. She attended Kindergarten through 12th grade at Manilla High School, graduating with the class of 1960.

After high school, Ethel furthered her education at the Commercial Extension School in Omaha, Nebraska. It was during these early years that she met the love of her life, Charles W. Defenbaugh. The two were united in marriage on September 1, 1962, at Sacred Heart Church in Manilla. Their union was blessed with four children: Sherry, Bill, Dan and daughter (stillborn).

Ethel began her professional career at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Omaha. She later moved to Harlan, Iowa, where she worked at Mickel’s before embarking on a long and dedicated career at Myrtue Memorial Hospital. There, she served in the business office for an incredible 48 years, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues and community alike.

Ethel had a creative spirit and a deep love for crafting. She especially enjoyed ceramics, woodworking, tied blankets, and more recently, embroidery. Her true joy, however, came from the time spent with her family: her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her beloved niece, Vicki.

On Friday, June 13, 2025, Ethel passed away peacefully at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa, surrounded by love. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ida Foxhoven; her husband, Charles Defenbaugh; her daughter, Sherry Defenbaugh, and daughter-in-law Dawn Defenbaugh.

Ethel leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her sons, Bill Defenbaugh of Harlan, Iowa, and Dan (Val) Defenbaugh of Altoona, Iowa; five grandchildren: Megan, Molly (Robert Churchill), Alex, Jordan (Tim) Silver, and Ryan (Jazmine) Defenbaugh; two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Alice Silver; her extended family; and many cherished friends.