MOUNT VERNON – Ethel Virginia Langdell, 96, of Chicago, went to heaven on Dec. 7, 2020, in Mount Vernon.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on April 10, 2021, at Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene, with the Rev. Scott Sharpes of Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene officiating.
Ethel was born in Chicago to Arthur and Jessie Scheithe on Jan. 16, 1924. She received Christ as her Savior as a young child at the First Church of the Nazarene in Chicago. Her faith guided every step of her life. She attended Northwest Nazarene College from 1944-45 and Olivet Nazarene College from 1947-49.
Ethel worked as a bookkeeper in several banks and as a waitress prior to her marriage. She married Samuel Langdell on June 4, 1950, at the Emerald Avenue Church of the Nazarene in Chicago. She met Sam at a “turn about party,” where the gals asked the guys to accompany them to the party.
Ethel loved her role as a housewife and mother. She enjoyed entertaining. She was a great cook and talented at setting a beautiful table with fine china and silver. She became a military wife in 1958 when Sam joined the United States Air Force where he served his country as a judge advocate general (lawyer). Ethel supported her husband by establishing a home wherever they “landed,” be it Japan, Germany or North Dakota! She actively participated in the military community as the vice president and social chairman of the Protestant Women of the Chapel and as a member of the Officers’ Wives Club. She also served in various capacities at churches of the Nazarene throughout their travels. During retirement, she and Sam saw the world from the decks of many cruise ships.
She is survived by her daughter, Lynda Small (George) of Mount Vernon; and two grandsons, Jason (Missy) Small of Arlington, Virginia, and Justin (April) Small of Mount Vernon. She was a proud great grandmother to Henry and Lucy Small of Arlington, Virginia. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Samuel Langdell; and her five older siblings, Eleanor, Russell, Kathryn, Margaret and Jessie.
The Lasater Funeral Home is handling the services for the Langdell family.
To express a condolence to the family, please visit www.lasaterfuneralhomes.com.
