Obituary - Ethel Mae Couch

Ethel Mae Couch, a lifetime resident of Havre, went to her homecoming in heaven with Jesus on March 18, 2020, at Northern Montana Care Center. She was just 22 days from her 100th birthday on April 9th.

Her memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church with Pastor Rick Hodshire officiating. Her burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery.

Ethel was born to William and Lydia Brown and grew up south of Havre. She went to country school until she went to Havre High School, where she graduated in 1939, and then was employed as a bookkeeper.

She married Percy Couch on April 18, 1942 in Great Falls, MT. She and Percy lived on their farm north of Havre, where they raised four children.

Ethel was a devoted mother and grandmother, and a great cook and baker. Her hobbies were reading, sewing and gardening. Ethel was a long-time member of Fifth Avenue Christian Church (previously Sixth Avenue Christian Church). She was active in the church and taught Sunday School for many years. Her life was a living example of Proverbs 31:30 – "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised." 

Ethel is preceded in death by her husband, Percy; parents, Lydia and William Brown; brother, Richard Brown; sister, Helen Lawrence; brother-in-law, Bill Lawrence; and son-in-law, Steve Hawkins.

Ethel is survived by children, Keith Couch (Pauline), Phyllis Hawkins, Cindi Matthew (Paul), and Cal Couch (Aileen); grandchildren, Keith Couch (Kelli), Nathan Hawkins (Joy), Sarah Storms (Jake), Jeremy Couch (Jillian), Megan Carroa (Jimmy); great-grandchildren, Jaden Storms, Ellie Carroa, Jay Carroa, Gavin Storms, Beni Hawkins, Taegen Hawkins, Grace Hawkins, Percy Couch, Harlan Couch; and her many nieces and nephews.

The family of Ethel Couch wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the employees of Northern Montana Care Center.