Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Ethel Marie Woodling, 95, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away in the early morning hours of Aug. 10, 2025, in Warsaw.
She was born in Prestonsburg, Ky., on Nov. 15, 1929, to Ben and Pauline Helton, one of 10 children. The family moved to Kosciusko County in the 1940s to seek better employment opportunities to raise their large family.
As an adult, Ethel worked numerous jobs over the years, but the bulk of her career was working for Warsaw Coil until her retirement.
She married George A. Woodling of Warsaw in the early 1950s and raised her two sons on her own after their divorce in the 1960s. She always loved children, and her two sons were her greatest joy. Even during hard financial times, she regularly gave to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, showing her love and concern for the young among us. She enjoyed country and western music and attended many live concerts by her favorite artists over the years. Most of all, she loved being with the younger members of her family, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love and kindness are remembered by many!
She is survived by her two sons, George (Randy) Woodling, of Atwood; and Gerry Woodling, of Santa Cruz, Calif.; brother, Troy Helton, of Plymouth; and sister, Alice Faye Reichert, in Kirksey, Ky.; grandsons, Kegan and Dylan Woodling, of Warsaw; and granddaughter, Chloe Gilmore, of Huntersville, N.C.; as well as two great-granddaughters and one great-great-grandson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Edgar, Morris, Grady (Coonie) and Roger Helton; and sisters: Ruth Johnson, Dorothy Bishop and Susan Smith; as well as beloved stepson, Jon Alan Woodling.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to noon, with service following with Pastor Jamy Gregory officiating, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 2200 Provident Court, Warsaw. Burial immediately follows at Graceland Cemetery, 604 S. Graceland Ave., Claypool.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, a cause she supported most of her senior years.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence, go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.
