Cloudy, 53° F
(Jan. 15, 1925 - April 9, 2016)
Ethel Loraine Sheme, 91, of Billings and formerly of Powell, died April 9, 2016.
She was born Jan. 15, 1925, daughter of ST. Paul Case and CeCelia Cashen-Cain. She was the sixth oldest of 18 children. One can only imagine growing up in that household.
Ethel married John Sheme and they enjoyed many years together. When her husband John was in the service, Ethel worked at the parachute and Kelp factories in San Diego. When John was discharged from the Navy they took a motorcycle from California to Powell and she rode in a side car the entire way. They arrived and built their home together in the ’40s. They opened a snack shop called Johnnys Snack Shop where they made homemade ice cream and pies daily.
Ethel was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Powell for 72 years and she was also a Girl Scout leader.
When her husband died in 1977, Ethel went to work for Powell Drug for many years. She also worked for the American National Bank and the Grand Teton National Park.
Ethel enjoyed many hobbies including vegetable gardening, cooking, baking and arts and crafts.
Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, husband, her siblings Ella, Gertrude, Betty, Olive, Ora, June, Midge, Floyd, Robert, Arlene, ST. Paul, Wayne, Cathy and George.
She is survived by her sister Thelma Louie of Seattle; brother Marvin Case of Pryor and sister Jolene Not Afraid of ST. X. She is also survived by her nephew John Spomer of Hardin and many other family members.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 18, at the Little Big Horn Battle Field. Memorials can be made to a charity of one’s choice in Ethel’s name.
Arrangements are by Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heightsfamilyfuneralhome.com through “Our Families.”
