Ethel Southworth

CHELSEA—Ethel Lillian South-worth, 88, died Sunday, July 13, 2008 at the Genesis Eldercare in Lebanon, N.H.

She was born May 17, 1920 in Westerly, R.I., the daughter of Nelson W. and Lillian (Johnson) Himes. She attended school in Westerly and graduated in 1938 from Westerly High School. She attendd nursing school and worked for over 30 years at the Westerly Hospital.

On January 16, 1943, she married James William Southworth, Jr. of Pawcatuck, Conn. and they live all their married life in Pawcatuck. He died in 1983. Following her son’s death in 1996, she moved to Chelsea to be near her family. She had lived at Genesis Eldercare since 2002.

She was very active in the Central Baptist Church in Westerly, R.I. and participated in their women’s group and mission programs. She attended the United Church of Chelsea.

For over 40 years, she was well-known for knitting Christmas stockings with names on them, which she sent all over the world. The last stocking she made was for her youngest great-granddaughter, Ruth. She enjoyed history, travelling by car, reading and seeing historical sites.

Survivors include a daughter, Barbara S. Sweeten of Tunbridge; a sister, Louise Farnum of Gettysburg, Penna.; four grandchildren: Kathryn McCullough of Tunbridge, Beth Rice of Enfield, N.H., Michelle Lewis of Canaan, N.H. and Cynthia Phillips of Griswold, Conn.; nine great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband; a son, James Nelson Southworth; a brother, Nelson W. Himes, Jr.; and a sister, Helen Williams.

There are no public calling hours and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Food Bank, P.O. Box 254, South Barre, Vt. 05670. The Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home on Main Street in Chelsea is in charge of arrangements.

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