Ethel Doris Klein
Ethel Doris Klein, 96, Cornell, happily entered glory, Friday, June 19, 2026, at Cornell Health Services, surrounded by her loving family.
Ethel was born Feb. 14, 1930, to her parents, William and Ella (Willis) Grinder, in the Township of Estella, at the family farm.
She grew up in Estella, graduating from Cornell High School in 1947.
Ethel met the love of her life and future husband, Kenneth “Kenny” Klein, during their teen years, at the church both their families attended. They were married, Oct. 10, 1947, when Ethel was just 17 years old.
Together, they built a family rooted in love, faith and cherished traditions. They were married for 54 years, before his passing in 2001.
Ethel enjoyed sewing, crafts, puzzles, playing board and card games, and especially loved going out to eat.
She was also a faithful and active member of the New Hope Assembly of God Church in Cornell.
After her move to “town” from the family farm, she actively participated in Bible study groups, sewing club and the area senior group.
She is survived by her children – Lucille (Rockne) Gunther, Dennis (Darlene) Klein, Patricia (Gerald) Veicht and Rowena (Ronald) Robarts; grandchildren – Travis (Melissa) Gunther, Troy Gunther, Jessica (Gabe) Peer-Drake, Rachel Voegeli, Rebecca Smith, Warren Smith, Kevin (Katie) Klein, Jennifer (Matthew) Yanchick, Denise (Justin) Shackleton, Nicole Veicht (Steve Porter), Aaron (Kari) Veicht, Nathaniel (Heather) Klein and Ross Robarts; numerous great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; brother – John (Carol) Grinder; and sister – Ruth Deatherage.
She was preceded in death by her husband – Kenneth Klein; her parents – William and Ella Grinder; daughter – Dianne Smith; three sisters and one brother.
A memorial gathering is at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 25, at New Hope Assembly of God Church in Cornell, with the Rev. Gerald Veicht officiating. Visitation begins at 12:30 p.m., at the church, until the start of service, at 2 p.m.
Interment follows at the Holcombe Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed, at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome. com. Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell, is assisting the family. 185487
