BORN

1923

DIED

2011

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-Ted Mayr Funeral Home

3150 Loma Vista Road

Ventura, California

Ethel Aspell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 16, 2011.

Ethel Rita Aspell passed away December 14, 2011, of sudden heart failure.

The daughter of Thomas A. and Margaret Ferns, she was born May 29, 1923, in Pittsburgh, PA. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The University of Akron and performed in theater during college. Ethel married John F. Aspell in 1946, and they enjoyed 58 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in February 2005. Her love of live theater, film, classical, and popular music strengthened through the years. The TV was always set on classic movies - Bette Davis and Jimmy Stewart were her favorites. The day Frank Sinatra died, John bought her a dozen roses. They loved to dance to that big band swing sound. Their family, which grew to five children, relocated frequently due to John's U.S. Navy Officer and engineering duties, finally settling in Ventura County in 1968.

Ethel wrote for the Akron Beacon Journal and later worked at the Ventura Star Free Press as an Editor and Copy Writer. In the late 1970s she excelled as Public Relations Manager for St. John's Hospital and, in the1980s, as Business Manager and Publicist for the Ventura County Symphony. Her love of Native-American culture was evident in vacation adventures to Taos, New Mexico; Mesa Verde, and her favorite place on earth - next to New York City - Monument Valley. Ethel possessed a keen wit, dramatic, infectious laugh, and a razor-sharp sense of social injustice. She will always be remembered by her family and friends for spiritual devotion and unsurpassed sweetness of character.

She is survived by her beloved children: sons, Thomas and his wife, Barbara Lebeau, of
Pittsburgh, PA; John Kevin of Hayward, CA; Dennis Michael of Ventura; daughters Julie Ellen Cariani and husband Peter, of Boston, MA; Anne Aspell Stevens and husband James of Ventura; grandchildren Arthur John and Elise Aspell, Brady and Devin Stevens; sister-in-law Mary Aspell, and her dearest cousins, Helen Shields and Dorothy Miller of Pittsburgh, PA; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, at Sacred Heart Church in Ventura where Ethel was a parishioner for nearly 40 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Sacred Heart Church, Ventura; or to the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal World.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.
Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Ethel Aspell

What is your first memory of Ethel?

Share a favorite memory you have of Ethel.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Ethel.

Describe a time when Ethel made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Ethel?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Ethel.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Ethel.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Ethel.

What is something you learned from Ethel?

Not sure what to say?

December 25, 2011

George KASKO

We give our condolances to the Aspell family on the passing of their great mother. from Samuel Roy and George S. Kasko

December 24, 2011

Antoinette Simmons

Aspell Siblings: What an amazing mother you have and although she is no longer here physically...her sprit...her essence is very much a part of where you will stand today and each day thereafter. I will miss having the opportunity to spend time with her, but I feel lucky to have a part of her in the two I do get to see once in a while, Annie and Dennis. I love you guys!

Posted by Antoinette Simmons

December 24, 2011

Christina Anderson Jones

I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Ethel. I remember her so well from when I was young as such a fun, lively person . Everybody in the extended Aspell family will certainly miss her. Sam and I have all of you in our thoughts.

December 24, 2011

Devin Stevens

May your Spirit live in peace forever.

December 24, 2011

Devin Stevens

Love and miss you always and forever.

December 24, 2011

Laura D'Auri

I never met Ethel but her daughter Annie is like the little sister I never had. I can only say that Ethel's beauty, humor and joy is reflected like angel lights in her beautiful daughter Annie. Ethel, enjoy your soujourn in the beautiful heavenly world, and know that you will see your dear ones again in God.

Posted by Laura D'Auri

December 23, 2011

Mrs.Aspell was a customer at Vons for years. I always enjoyed seeing her. Such a nice person.Sorry for your loss.Bonnie -Ventura

December 22, 2011

Karen Kniffin

She was and always will be my "California Mom" who let Vince and I in as additional kids to a already full family so many, many year ago. Her kindness and love will be missed but never forgot. My heart is broken and my prayers are with the all of you. I am so sorry I can not be there with you. I love you all. Love, Karen Kniffin, Hudson, OH

December 22, 2011

Leslie Westhaver

To our dear Julie and the entire Aspell family - we are so sorry for your loss. I've heard many wonderful stories about your mom - so full of passion, personality, intelligence, humor and talent. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.

December 22, 2011

Vincent McDermott

Thanks for everything "love a duck"

December 21, 2011

Bryon Wilson

Aspell family:
I am very sorry to hear of the loss to your beloved mother, Ethel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I will always remember the great times and laughter together at the old house on El Portal.

December 20, 2011

K. Carpenter

R.I.P. Ethel. We know you were a special person because you left behind such a special son.

December 20, 2011

Carl Carpenter

My mom often told me growing up, 'No one will ever love you like your mother.' She was of course right, and I've remembered her words many times over the years. It always surprises me how many, and how meaningful those moments are. Every mother's passing is a tragedy... But rest assured her love for you will never die. All you have to do is remember her and you'll feel it. I hope to meet her one day. I believe I will. May God give you comfort my friend...

December 20, 2011

Pat Ilar

Dennis,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. May the Good Lord Comfort and Bless you and yours throught this time.

God Bless - Pat Ilar

December 20, 2011

Joseph McManus

My prayersand thoughts are with the Aspel family. You were all blessed to have such a wonderful mother and friend. She lived a rich and long life. God Bless!

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Ethel Aspell's name

Memorial Events
for Ethel Aspell

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

CLOSED-Ted Mayr Funeral Home

3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003

How to support Ethel's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ethel Aspell's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more