Ethel Gader

Ethel Nelson Barker Gader, age 98, of Redding, CA, and a native of Ashby, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 28, 2016.

Ethel was born on the family farm on September 1, 1917, and was the youngest child of John and Mary (Balgaard) Nelson of Ashby. In 1937 she married Everett Barker from Ashby, MN, with whom she had nine children.

Ethel was an incredible, loving mother. She never complained, always maintaining a brave and cheerful outlook on life. Family events invariably included music, laughter, and lots of love. She loved to dance, and her favorite song was “Tennessee Waltz”. Crafting and sewing were her favorite pastimes.

Ethel was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Redding, CA. She was also a member of City of Hope and the Moose Lodge.

Ethel’s wonderful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children and her entire family. They are grateful for your prayers as well as for your participation in this celebration of her life.

Ethel is survived by her children; four daughters: Beverly Johnson of Bullhead City, AZ, Mary and Bruce Swanston of Redding, CA, Barbara and Levente Martelyi of Walnut Creek, CA, and Debra and Robert Krick of Brookings, OR; and one son, Everett Barker of St. Maries, ID; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Alice Barker.

Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Barker; by daughters Donna, twins Jean and Joan, and LouAnn (Barker) Pacheco; by her parents; and by her five sisters and two brothers, Marie Melby, Florence Johnson, Mabel Easterday, Amanda Boe, Nora Evavold, Oscar Nelson and Albert Nelson.

Visitation: one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11:00 AM Friday, August 12, 2016, at Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby
Clergy: Reverend Tom Olson
Interment: Pelican Lake Cemetery