TUCSON, Ariz. — Ethel Mae Daume Hall passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023, in Tucson.
She was born July 27, 1931, in Tilsit to Charles Hugo Sr. and Ida Wilhelmina Valle Daume. Her stepmother, Amanda Caroline Hartmann Daume, also held a special place in her heart.
Ethel attended Tilsit Grade School and was confirmed at St. James United Church of Christ in Tilsit. After attending Jackson High School, she earned two degrees from Southeast Missouri State University. A talented singer and dedicated scholar, she was a member of University Choir, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and Golden Key Honor Society. She later earned a master's degree in education at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
Over her 34-year teaching career, primarily at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis County, Missouri, she positively impacted the lives of thousands of students. She said that when her first students' grandchildren walked through the doors, it was time to retire! She stayed busy by spending countless hours in ice rinks, violin lessons and school-related activities with her grandsons, Jonathan and Jason.
Ethel was an enthusiastic traveler. As a young woman, she worked at Yellowstone National Park several summers and then traveled in Europe. After she started teaching, she and her family ventured around the United States and Canada, visiting many national parks and other landmarks during the summer months. Once retired, she loved staying at both new and familiar destinations with her grandchildren.
Two organizations benefited greatly from Ethel's generosity with her "free time" and talents. She served as Creve Coeur Figure Skating Club president for several years, and she received several awards from St. Louis Region Sports Car Club of America for volunteering with that organization.
She is survived by her daughter, Melissa (Scott); grandchildren, Jonathan (Lena) and Jason; sister-in-law, Jobyna; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ethel was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Frank W. Hall II. Her parents, stepmother and siblings — Marie, Charlie, Bess, Allegra, Ruth, Eddie and Melbert — also predeceased her.
The family thanks the team at Catalina Hospice for assisting Ethel at the end of her life.
A service will be scheduled for the summer in Tilsit.
If you are so moved, donations to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, www.glaucoma.org; NEA Foundation, www.neafoundation.org/donate; or St. James UCC Cemetery Fund are appreciated.
Adair Funeral Homes in Tucson was in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ethel Hall, visit https://adair-funeral-homes-avalon-chapel.tributestore.com.
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