Ethel Mae Zarras passed away on November 25, 2014, at Cox South Hospital, surrounded by family. She was born on September 14, 1925, in Oklahoma City to Dick and Edna Wilkinson, who preceded her in death. In 1942, she met Nicholas Zarras at the Pythian Castle where he was training to become an Army Medic and the two were married the following year in San Diego, CA. Shortly after Nicholas shipped out to Normandy, Ethel learned that she was pregnant. Upon his return 18 months later, she surprised him with a beautiful baby girl, Tina. They lived for a short time in New York before moving to Springfield and having their second daughter, Cynthia, ten years later. Having married into a Greek family, Ethel took great pride in celebrating her family’s heritage. Prior to his passing in 1989, Ethel loved to dance the jitterbug, the tango, and other ballroom dances with her husband. Ethel was a gifted pianist and singer with a passion for Nicholas’ trombone playing and gospel music.
She is survived by her two daughters, Tina King and Cindy McIntosh; four grandchildren, Laura Elwood, Lisa Doran, Keith King, and Jonathan Graybeal; six great-grandchildren, Lindsey Phoenix, Ashley Dye, Kainon Bouldin, MacKennon Doran, Houston King, and Hailey King; and two great-great grandchildren, Kaylee Bouldin and Raelyn Dye.
In lieu of a public visitation, the family will celebrate Ethel’s life in a graveside ceremony in the Springfield.
To a beautiful life… Opa!