Obituary of Ethel Elizabeth Fanning

Ethel Elizabeth Fanning, age 84, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Arborview Court in Wisconsin Rapids after a long, courageous struggle with dementia.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids.  Rev. Dean Anderson will officiate.  Burial will be at Port Edwards Municipal Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the funeral home.  Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services on Thursday at the funeral home. 

Ethel was born April 6, 1934 in the Village of South Wayne, Lafayette County, Wisconsin to Jacobus “Jim” and Helen (Shaver) Walters.  She married Stephen Fanning on November 6, 1951 in Pittsville, Wisconsin.  He preceded her in death on February 18, 2010.

For virtually her entire adult working life Ethel excelled in sales. She dedicated her boundless energy to her passions, health and wellness and building confidence with customized makeup products, including color consulting. She traveled extensively throughout the state giving presentations to numerous groups and did countless personal, in home make overs for those desiring proper skin care and maintaining a youthful appearance. She was very proud of her years of work with participants in the Miss Wisconsin Rapids beauty pageant; helping the gals look their best gave her and them great satisfaction.

Ethel was always far ahead of her time when it came to recognizing the now widely accepted importance of proper nutrition.  She coached and explained to anyone that would listen about the priority of incorporating whole foods and avoiding artificial ingredients.  She had an in depth understanding of natural food supplements and their ability to combat many common ailments.  She was undaunted by the naysayers and many of her early recommendations are now considered sound medical advice by health experts.

Ethel also thoroughly enjoyed entertaining and family get togethers where she would showcase her considerable culinary talents.  She was always quick to compliment others and truly was a people person.

Ethel is survived by her children: Gregory (Nancy) Fanning, Jeffery (Betty) Fanning, and Cynthia (William) Haigler; grandchildren: Erik Fanning, Michelle (Chris) Ebnet, Elizabeth Reiber, Sarah (Danny) Keen, and Rebecca (Dan) Boden; 4 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jim Walters of Ridgecrest, CA.  She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stephen; youngest daughter, Pamela; brother, Richard; sister, Roselin; and half-sisters: Rosemary and Eleana.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the caring staff at Arborview Court for their dedication and hard work.  Their compassionate and professional service was very important to all of us that loved Ethel.