Ethel Osmotherly

Ethel Louise (Parsons) Osmotherly

Ethel Louise (Parsons) Osmotherly was born on November 10, 1938, in Custer, South Dakota, to Leslie and Verna (Stanton) Parsons. She grew up on a farm west of Custer in a large, close-knit family and graduated from Custer High School in 1957.

While attending a dance in Custer, she met the love of her life, William Henry “Bill” Osmotherly. They were united in marriage on November 24, 1957. To this union, four sons were born: Richard William, Robert Rue, Steven Allen, and Keith Eugene.

Soon after their marriage, Ethel and Bill moved to Nebraska, where they farmed and ranched together. Ethel was employed at Chadron Community Hospital for many years before retiring. She treasured the memories and the many friendships she formed during her time there.

Ethel loved spending time with her family, creating arts and crafts, and attending her sons’ and grandchildren’s school events. In earlier years, she also enjoyed square dancing. Her faith was central to her life.

Ethel, 87, went to be with Jesus on February 24, 2026.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Christ Community Church in Crawford, Nebraska, with Pastor Steve Mallery officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Memorials may be made to Ponderosa Villa in Crawford, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, with whom she celebrated 63 years of marriage before his passing; her parents; her parents-in-law; and many brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her sons: Richard (Shannon) of Torrington, Wyoming; Robert (Jeanne) of Crawford, Nebraska; Steven (Wendy) of Moorcroft, Wyoming; and Keith (Janice) of Gillette, Wyoming; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister, Sandy Osmotherly of Oelrichs, South Dakota; sisters-in-law Shirley Parsons of Custer, South Dakota, Janice Parsons of Fargo, North Dakota, and Linda Parsons of Tulsa, Oklahoma; as well as many nieces and nephews.