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Passed away on Friday, March 27, 2015, at Hospice of Spokane Hospice House. She was born on September 29, 1930, in Aberdeen, Wash., to Nick and Reatha Ruotsala. Ethel graduated from Hoquiam High School and earned her associates degree at Aberdeen College. She went on to marry Charles W. Hale in 1953, in Everett, Wash., with whom she had 3 children. Ethel was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi since 1973 in both Marysville, Wash., and Grand Coulee. She was also very active in the Democratic Party along with the Marysville Strawberry Festival. They retired to the Coulee Dam area in 1995 where she became active in community events and book club. She leaves behind many wonderful friends.

Ethel is survived by her daughter Julie Hale Hart of Electric City; son Kenneth Hale (Robin) of Sultan, Wash.; grandchildren, Jenee' Nelson of Cheyenne, Wyo., K.C. Gallo of Rawlins, Wyo., Nikki Gallo of Shelton, Billy and Josh Hale both of Sultan, Jen Files of Arlington, Wash., Jamie Smith of Elizabeth, Colo., and Ashley Smith of Lynnwood, Wash.; as well as 5 great- grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Ethel was preceded in death by her daughter Sheryl Francis and her husband, Charles Hale.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fred Hutchins Cancer Society.