Flora Ethol Phelps at 102 years old moved into her heavenly home on February 5, 2025, from Brigham Assisted Living under the loving care of Heartland Hospice. Flora (Ethol) was born July 23, 1922 on the family farm north of Stanton, which has been in the family over 120 years. She was the middle daughter of John Burton and Flora (Hutchinson) Henry. Being raised on a farm gave her a great work ethic. She attended the Hemmingway Country School and graduated in 1940 from the Stanton Rural Agricultural High School and was the last surviving member of her class.

Ethol married Max L. Phelps on September 19, 1940 and they were blessed with nearly 72 years of marriage until his death in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sisters (Norma Jean Rasmussen), (Eunice Larsen). She is survived by her son, Keith H. Phelps, granddaughter Tamela L (Robert) Sweeris, grandson Kevin S (Julie) Phelps, great-granddaughters Faylyn Emma, and Makayla (Nathaniel) Brown, great grandsons, Mitchell Sweeris and Benjamin Phelps. Great-Great grandson Levi Brown and Great-Great granddaughter Zoee Brown.

Her second family was her church family, Ethol was last living charter member of the Trinity Evangelical Free Church of Stanton in 1952, when it was a real fundamental church. She served the church in many ways throughout the years. Picking up kids for Sunday School, Awana Club, and many other activities. Traveling Ministers and missionaries would frequently be guests at the farm east of Stanton. She was a faithful prayer warrior on the prayer chain at the church. For many years she supplied the flowers on nearly every Sunday morning service. Also she took flowers to shut-ins, those friends in the hospitals and supplied flowers for many weddings. Ethol and Max made several trips to Haiti and Aruba to work with the missionaries building a school, homes, and a hospital. Max was a builder, and they spent several years working on Indian Reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. She was on the Missionary Committee and was a very generous giver to many missionary groups. They were able to tour the Holy Lands and Europe.

Like many others during World War II, she began working outside the home while her husband served in the Navy in the Pacific Theater. Ethol went to work at Federal Mogul Corp in Greenville, where she retired in 1987 after nearly 44 years.

Several years ago she was runner-up for Volunteer of Year for Michigan. Right up to the end, she was a member and somewhat active in the Greenville Garden Club, Master Gardeners, Heritage Village, Gleaners, Red Hats, and Gideon’s. She had a Master status in Master Gardening with 1182 hours of education and 2936 hours of work volunteering. She received much training from Michigan State. Flora (Ethol) had many highlight’s in her life time, with the most current being the Grand Marshall of Stanton Old Fashion Days 2016. Flora Ethol left this earth with a legacy of faith, giving, volunteering, caring, listening and consoling those in need.

A special thanks goes out to all (Margret Rush, Lucy Hubbard, and Master Gardening members) of those that took my mother to some of these events.

When the Church was chartered in the Montcalm Hotel in 1952, it was a fundamental Church that preaches the plan of Salvation every Sunday (John 3:16, Romans 6:23). Today, Cancel Culture has made that non-existent. Her lifelong dream, repeated several times, was the plan of Salvation would be presented at her funeral (Psalm 49:15). She was profoundly deeply hurt more than anyone can imagine when the Board of Elders and Pastor barred her Grandson from the Trinity Church Property unless he begged them to attend a family funeral. Especially after the State Police criminal investigation report said “UNFOUNDED”!!! Her Grandson reached out to meet their protocol twice. His second request was finally answered with them fervently standing by their original stand without any scripture references backing their inane claims. By law, Churches are protected from discrimination against anyone or family. Everyone has a judgement day coming.

Her Son made attempts asking them to openly back up their decision thru the scriptures. Because of their actions, regretfully her memorial service will not be held at the Trinity Church in Stanton.

If someone is inclined to make a memorial contribution, they can be made to Heritage Village, Greenville Garden Club, and Master Gardeners at the Lakeview Baptist Church or Brigham Funeral Home.

Visitation and Service will be at the Lakeview Baptist Church on(M-46) 9580 HC-Edmore Rd. Lakeview, MI. February 11, 2025

Visitation: 10 am to 12 pm Service: starts at 12 pm

Thanks to Brigham Funeral Chapel for professionally making all of the arrangements.