Ethel L. Schwartz

Ethel L. Schwartz, 94, of Longmont, CO passed away December 3, 2013. Ethel was born on January 1, 1919 in Denver, CO to Michael R. and Lela (White) McDanal. Ethel graduated from South High School and the University of Denver. Her leadership and organizational skills were developed in early school days and continued through college. While at the University of Denver, she was elected President of the Women's Association in the School of Business. After graduating from college, she worked in the office of the Department of Agriculture, worked for her father and brothers in the family business, a wholesale optical and supply house and later was employed by the Department of the Interior, working at Mammoth Springs in Yellowstone National Park.Ethel learned to ski using rope tows at Berthoud Pass. This was one of the first ski areas developed in Colorado. While skiing, she was introduced to a young man who was to become her husband, Dr. Robert (Bob) Schwartz, an optometrist. They married in Denver on October 7, 1950. Ethel and Bob had two sons, Ken and Doug. As a family, they enjoyed skiing, camping, traveling and their family cabin at Crystal Lakes that they shared with family and friends. They took their sons to Europe when they were in their teens. Ethel and Bob continued their travels in a motor home after the boys were away.Ethel and Bob were members of the Presbyterian Church of Brighton, CO before moving to Longmont in 1959. In Longmont, they joined Central Presbyterian Church. Ethel participated in the Women's Association for 39 years. She was a chairperson of Circles and Moderator of the Women's Association for several terms. During these years, she developed a photo album of the organization's activities. For her work in this organization, she was given an Honorary Life Membership Award in 1997. She was a part-time secretary in the church's office for six months, served as an Elder and was a member of the Long Range Planning Committee for eight years. During her term on the committee, a redecoration of the Fellowship Hall was completed. Ethel later served as the coordinator for Central's senior group, later named Prime Timer's, expanding the activities of the Koinonia fellowship. She enthusiastically organized and coordinated the many programs and activities. Ethel demonstrated her Christian faith through her 44 years of caring and dedicated service to Central Presbyterian Church.In 2003, Ethel became involved with Niwot United Methodist Church through a Conversations with God group, led by Tim Liston and Matthias Krier. She felt she needed a new adventure in her life and joined the church shortly after attending these classes. At NUMC she was active with the Young at Heart group until her health kept her home.Ethel is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 41 years, Bob, and brothers Richard, Homer and Norman McDanal.Ethel is survived by her sons Ken (Ruth) Schwartz of Longmont and Doug (Trish) Schwartz of Wrangell, Alaska, her eight grandchildren Brandon, Katie, Matthew, Amber, Emily, Michael, Ashland and Brian, a great-grandson Nicholas and numerous nephews and nieces and great-nephews and nieces.A Memorial Service will be held at 2pm, Tuesday, December 10 at Niwot United Methodist Church, 7405 Lookout Road, Longmont, 80503. Memorial contributions may be made to Niwot United Methodist Church or Longmont Meals on Wheels in c/o Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.