Ethel Louise McNeil (DeMont) 94, of South Bend, IN died peacefully at Tanglewood Trace Assisted Living surrounded by loving family on January 12, 2019.

Born September 21, 1924 in Fulton County, IN, Ethel was raised on her family's farm. She graduated as the Valedictorian from Richland Center High School in 1942. On March 23, 1946, Ethel married Navy veteran, Royal Nelson McNeil. The young couple settled in Mishawaka, IN where they built their home. As a young wife and homemaker, Ethel raised her own three children, and babysat for several neighborhood children as well. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and sewing. Always an active lady, Ethel played volleyball and tennis. She learned to swim as an adult, and even became a lifeguard at the Mishawaka YMCA. Ethel and Royal enjoyed traveling and fishing together. They eventually moved to South Bend, IN where Royal died in 1994. Ethel remained an enthusiastic fan of the Norte Dame Fighting Irish until her death.

She is survived by her three children, Roger (Kristy) McNeil, Steve (Jenny) McNeil, and Cindy Huff; ten grandchildren, Ben McNeil, Beth (Marvin) Kozak, Michael (Jennifer) McNeil, Patrick (Kristin) McNeil, Ryan (LeeWhay) Huff, Erin (Peter) McCloughan, Adam (Burcu) Huff, Jennifer Huff, Amanda (Jake) Huff, and Lena Huff; ten great grand children, Owen Kozak, Henry Kozak, Rocco McNeil, Marlo McNeil, Oliver McNeil, Connor McCloughan, Courtney McCloughan, Oliver Huff, Jordan Spalten, and Grayson Huff; and her brother, Robert (Frieda) DeMont.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, IN  46561 at 12 AM with calling one hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 922 E Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46617.