Ethel Marie DeVerger

Ethel Marie DeVerger, 78, of Plainville, passed away at 3:23 pm Friday, April 5, 2024, at her home in Plainville, IL.

Ethel was born October 1, 1945, in Quincy, IL to John and Rosie (Crim) Smith. Ethel’s journey began as a bright student at Payson High School. She graduated as valedictorian in 1964, setting the stage for her lifelong commitment to learning and excellence.

On November 29, 1984, Ethel married the love of her life, Terry DeVerger, in a beautiful ceremony in Pittsfield, IL. Their union was a source of great happiness and strength for both, and Terry survives her, carrying forward the legacy of their love.

Ethel’s nurturing spirit led her to a career in healthcare, where she served as a licensed practical nurse at Sycamore Health Care. Her gentle touch and compassionate care brought comfort to countless individuals over the years, earning her the respect and admiration of both colleagues and patients.

Family was the cornerstone of Ethel’s world. She is survived by her loving sons, Dan Zanger of Quincy and Jeff Zanger (Edna) of Liberty, IL; stepsons, Eric DeVerger and Dustin DeVerger (Amber), both of Palmyra, MO; and her adored grandchildren, Andrew Zanger (Chelisa), Alex Zanger (Brooke), Colton DeVerger, and Olivia DeVerger. Ethel’s joy was multiplied with the arrival of her seven great-grandchildren, Shaina, Michael, Evelyn “Evie”, Contessa, Tyson, Rodney, and Kahlescie. Many nieces and nephews also survive her. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Janet Lee; her granddaughter, Amanda Zanger; her special aunt, Betty McNutt; and several aunts and uncles.

Ethel loved the outdoors, she relished the time spent fishing on lakes and rivers, from Mississippi State on a Jon Boat to Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee, always in pursuit of the perfect catch of crappie and catfish. Bowling was another of Ethel’s passions, and she could often be found perfecting her strikes at the alleys in Hull, IL, and Starlite. Camping trips to Southern Illinois were treasured family times, complete with the excitement of turkey hunting.

Ethel’s love for her family shone brightest during Sunday drives with her children, a tradition that fostered countless conversations and laughter. A gifted cook, her kitchen was the heart of the home, filled with the aromas of lovingly prepared meals and the sight of her extensive collection of cookbooks. When not cooking, Ethel enjoyed the company of friends at Village Inn and Sprouts.

Her leisure time was spent immersed in the worlds of harlequin romance novels and mysteries or watching her favorite westerns on TV. Yet, nothing compared to the joy she found in the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every moment with them was cherished, each memory a precious keepsake.

Ethel’s legacy is one of compassion, family, and the simple joys of life. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Friends and Family are invited to Ethel’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A memorial service will directly follow at 11:00 am with Pastor L.D. Grant officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.