Obituary of Ethel L. Strouse

Ethel L. Strouse, 89, of State College, died Friday, December 11, 2015, at Centre Crest, Bellefonte. Born August 20, 1926, in State College, she was the daughter of the late Curtis L. and Elsie M. Breon Corl. On March 6, 1948 in State College, she married John "Jack" W. Strouse, who preceded her in death on March 29, 2013. She is survived by four children, Ronald A. Strouse and his wife, Deborah; Sylvia S. Way and her husband, Clifford Jr; David L. Strouse and his wife, Melissa, all of State College; and Molly A. Kline and her husband, Kenneth Jr., of Spring Mills; one sister, Beatrice Saxion, one brother, Kenneth "Lee" Corl, and one sister-in-law, Isabel, all of State College; nine grandchildren: Andrew Strouse and his wife, Anna; Amber Olkowski and her husband, Ryan; Alidia Strouse; Angela Genito and her husband, Dennis; Amy Bowen and her husband, Marcus; Matthew Way, Curtis Strouse, Jacob Strouse, Miranda Kline; and four great grandchildren: Vincent and Cole Strouse, Madison Olkowski and Maya Bowen. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, William E. and John O. Corl: brother-in-law Joseph Saxion and sister-in-law Janet Corl. Ethel was a 1944 graduate of State College High School. After high school, she was employed by Penn State University for a few years prior to her marriage. Ethel was a member of Pine Hall Lutheran Church, serving in the altar guild. She was also a member of the Washington Grange. Ethel enjoyed gardening, canning, and farm life. She liked to bake bread which she would give to her family. She loved camping with Jack; their favorite campground was Little Pine Creek State Park. Ethel cherished and enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren. Every Easter morning, Ethel would hand deliver Easter baskets to all her children, leaving them on their porches for them to find when they awakened. She was a wonderful caregiver to her parents and other close family members. Visitation will be from 10 until 11 a.m., on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 W. College Ave., State College. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., at the church with the Reverend Susan Williamson officiating. Burial will be in Pine Hall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 W. College Ave., State College, PA 16801. Ethel's family would like to thank the Centre Crest staff for the care they provided to Ethel while she was there. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.