Ethel Kota

Ethel Kota, 97, of Port Huron died peacefully after a short illness on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 in her home.

She was born August 13, 1920 in Detroit. She married Alexander F. Kota on July 14, 1945 in Port Huron. He preceded her in death on February 18, 1996.

Ethel was a lifelong member of St. John’s United Church of Christ.

She was devoted to her family and was the matriarch of her extended family. She was a Brownie leader, Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother and volunteered with other organizations throughout her life. Ethel also knitted countless afghans, crocheted, embroidered and sewed clothes for the family. She also made clothes for her grandchildren’s dolls.

Ethel was a busy homemaker, always baking Hungarian meals or desserts for her family.

As a card player, she was a force to be reckoned with keeping an eye on the rules. In the beginning she would play with her family every month, but later in life played every Friday at the Senior Center. She also bowled in a senior league for many years with her husband.

She was an avid gardener and took great pride in winning the Port Huron Yard of the Year award in 1994.

Ethel greatly enjoyed shopping for outfits and coordinating shoes with matching jewelry.

She is survived by her children, Sharon R. (Charles) Hillier and Alex M. (Leslie) Kota; grandchildren, Sara R. (Greg) Grapsidis, Patricia L. (J. Bryan) Fleck, Charles A. (Courtney) Hillier and Kathryn E. Kota; great grandson, Calder Charles Hillier; special niece and nephew, Laurie Knox-Singleton and Michael Lewis Knox; and many other nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Irene Knox; and step-brother, Louis Master.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 pm Monday in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home, 912 Lapeer Ave., Port Huron.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 in St. John’s United Church of Christ. Dr. Richard E. Hotchkin will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ or the Blue Water Area Humane Society.

To send condolences, please visit www.pollockrandall.com