Condolence: Fitch family, We're so sorry for your loss. The obit tribute says it well. She was devoted to God and family, and willingly shared her talents with others. You're in our prayers.

Condolence: It was with great sadness that I read this morning of Ethelyn's death. I shared the news with my wife, and we both immediately began to remember the many good times that we had with Wayne and Ethelyn. My wife and I were students at Eastern Illinois University from 1985-1990. During that time, Wayne and Ethelyn became special friends of ours. They often had us over to their home for Sunday dinners, and their love, Christian concern, and hospitality for each of us was appreciated at the time, and even more so as we have looked back on our years in college. Since graduating we kept in touch with them both and always stopped at their home when we were in Charleston. We were saddened to learn of Wayne's death ten years ago, but continued to come away encouraged whenever we visited Ethelyn: we always found her in good spirits and with the same spunk that she had when we were in college. It was as though we were getting older while she remained the same! She was always genuinely interested in our lives, the lives of our children, and our relationship with the Lord. The only thing that would upset her is that we never gave her enough warning so that she could prepare for us a meal! My wife and I visited her in May of 2009, and in June of 2010 my daughter and I were able to visit with her. We never stopped in Charleston without visiting-we always wanted her to know that she was a special person in our lives. I hope that knowing that she played an important role in our lives, and the lives of many other college students, helps you during this time. We will pray for you and your family at this time, while at the same time rejoicing that she is now in heaven with Wayne and our Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to the day when we will see them all. Sincerely, James Winker Freeport, IL

Condolence: Ethelyn was my dearest faithful friend--one who loved the Lord Jesus Christ fervently, prayed for her family, friends, and missionaries faithfully. Of paramount importance to Ethelyn was God's unchanging Word--the Bible, which she read and applied to her life daily. Gospel missions and missionaries held a high priority with Ethelyn, with photos of many missionaries posted on her refrigerator door. She could recite considerable information about each one to her dinner guests. Through the years Ethelyn was extremely hospitable to missionary families, and to church friends and acquaintances who entered her threshold. Personally Ethelyn was a sure and trusted friend--one on whom I could depend, share my joys and concerns any time, whatever they may be. Words are inadequate to express the sorrow I feel over her loss; it's like losing part of me, since she was such a close friend. However, the Lord called her to Himself, unexpectedly but in His time. Now Ethelyn won't have to worry about insurance or other health issues. She is in the arms of her Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. "Absent from the body, present with the Lord."

Condolence: Ethelyn, Such a kind and giving person; you were dearly loved by family and friends. You will be missed by all.