Ethel M. Koon

Ethel Marie Richards Koon was born on June 30, 1914, in Walnut, Illinois to Harry and Matilda Richards. She died on January 24, 2015 at Peaceful Bliss. She spent her early childhood in Illinois, later moving with her family to Maquoketa, Iowa. Ethel graduated from Maquokta High School in 1933. She was united in marriage to Charles Bradford Koon in 1940. Three sons were born in Iowa: Chuck, Richard, Robert. In 1952, the family moved to Alexandria and a fourth son, Jack was born in 1956. The family lived in the Hazel Hill area for many years where Ethel reported news of the neighborhood for the Echo Press. Church life was a very important part of her life. She was an active member for many years at the First Baptist Church, where she was active in church ministry to children, and serving on various church committees. Ethel was a volunteer at the Douglas County Hospital, serving as President of the Auxiliary at one time. After retirement she and Brad spent winters in Phoenix, AZ where they enjoyed sightseeing, family gatherings and warmer weather. Ethel was a sports fan, especially a Vikings fan. She loved the outdoors, enjoying snowmobiling, fishing, swimming, camping and picnics. She and Brad loved to roller skate. While living in Iowa, she and a friend spent time camping at Starved Rock near Chicago, Illinois. Ethel was a member of First Baptist Church for many years before becoming a member of Grace Baptist Church. She loved the church and congregation and deeply missed them when her health prevented her from attending services and church functions. She always said, “Life is beautiful, God is good.” She loved the beautiful city of Alexandria and was so thankful to have lived there. She is survived by three sons: Richard Koon of Tacoma, WA, Robert (Karen) Koon of Del City, OK, Jack (Silvia) Koon of Fountain Hills, AZ; sister, Alyce Harbert of Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren: Kara Watson (Rick) of Fairbanks, AK, Tim Evans of Alexandria, DJ Koon of Mustang, OK, Jeff Koon (Kristy) of Midwest City, OK, Barry Koon (Alicia) of Oklahoma City, OK, nine great grandchildren: Josh Watson, Cooper Watson, Chance Koon, Carson Koon, Dylan Koon, Yvette Koon, Breanna Koon, Vanessa Koon, Austin Koon; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bradford, son, Charles, grandson, Jay Evans; parents, Harry and Matilda Richards three brothers: Glenn, Walter, Howard; three sisters: Florence Richards, Laura Richards, Marian Schmidt. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2015, 11:00 AM at Grace Baptist Church in Alexandria. Pallbearers were Gary “David” Martin Robert Koon, Jack Koon, Richard Koon, Jeff Koon, Tim Evans. Honorary Pallbearers Burdell Benson, Ron Carlson, Orin Johnson, De Lair Melzer, Dan Neller, Cliff Peterson, Bruce Saddlemeyer, Jeff Rodel. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net

Ethel M. Koon

June 30, 1914 - January 24, 2015