Ethel Eva (Hargrave) Sipes, 100, formerly of Coudersport, PA, finished her earthly journey on May 9, 2023 at Elk Haven Nursing Home in St Marys, PA.

Ethel was a “firecracker” and blazed her way into the world on July 4, 1922 in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was the only daughter to Guy and Pearl (Smith) Hargrave, and the only sister to her beloved brothers; Earl, Hugh, Keith (Laman) and Jim (James).

Ethel had a happy childhood and was doted on by her father, mother and brothers. Her dear aunt Kizzy also helped to raise her. Ethel graduated from high school as valedictorian of her class and then went on to attend business school.

In 1945 she married Leonard Smith, and they had a son; Jon Smith. In 1954, in California, Ethel married John J Sipes, and they had 4 children together; Scott, Mark, Janet and Lori. They were a military family and moved across the country, from California to New York, making many fond memories along the way. In California, Ethel worked as a librarian. They eventually settled in Coudersport, PA, and made it their home.

In Coudersport, Ethel was part of the community, working at the tax assessment office and as a member of the Coudersport Alliance Church, where she was the church librarian and a dedicated nursery worker. In her retirement, she spent many years volunteering in the Long Term Care unit of Cole Memorial. She was always a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.

Ethel may be remembered most for her lifelong love of learning and her insatiable hunger for reading.  She was never afraid to try to learn something new; going from having remembered the first car ever driving into her town, to being an avid user of technology and even social media.  She read hundreds of books each year, and never felt like a cent spent on books was a wasted one. She will also be remembered for her unflappable strength, fierce loyalty and incredible stubbornness, but even more-so for her love of chocolate (and anyone who knew her knew it was the best and easiest way to her heart).

Ethel leaves behind her on this earth her children,   Jon Smith of Portland, Oregon, Scott (Mary) Sipes  of Belews Creek, N.C., Mark (Theresa) Sipes of Coudersport, PA, Janet Sipes of Emporium, PA, and Lori (James) Sipes Eastman of Emporium, PA, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She joined in heaven her parents, husband and brothers, as well her faithful feline companion, Sunny Boy.

A private graveside service will be held.  Family suggest memorial contributions in Ethel’s name be made to the Coudersport Public Library, 502 Park Ave, Coudersport, PA 16915

Her care has been entrusted to Fickinger Funeral Home of Coudersport, PA.  To share a memory or condolence with his family visit www.thomasfickinger.com.