Ethel F. Benjamin, age 88, died peacefully Friday morning, December 1, 2017. She was born February 10, 1929, in Winneconne, the daughter of Edward and Esther (Franz) Ristow. Ethel was a longtime resident of Omro who had the ability of bringing people together. She was a very social and giving person who served in one capacity or another on almost every Omro committee project. Ethel was very involved with Friends of the Library and with all the Presbyterian Church ladies. Many people regardless of age often would call her "Ma" a name she affectionately picked up from her days at Benji's.
Ethel is loved and will be missed by her brother, Jerry (Judy) Ristow and their children, Kathii (Scott) Schommer and Michael (Wendy) Ristow; other family members include her sister Jean's children, Chris (Cheryl) Sorenson, Steve (Pat) Sorenson, Richard (Beth) Sorenson and Sally Sorenson. She is further survived by great nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Esther Ristow; husband, Bud; son, Bill; brothers, Lyle Ristow, Willis Ristow and sister, Jean Sorenson.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at the funeral home in Omro, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with her nephew, Pastor James Justman officiating. Ethel will be laid to rest at Omro Cemetery. A memorial in lieu of flowers is being established.
The family would like to thank the staff at Omro Care Center for the care given to Ethel.