Ethel Harmon, peacefully passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on October 6, 2023, at 97 years old.

Ethel was born on November 18, 1925, in Okemah, Oklahoma. Two days after graduating from Okemah High School in 1943, Ethel married her high school sweetheart, Lee Harmon, and moved across the country to live in Yuba City, CA.

Ethel Harmon is survived by her loving husband of 80 years, Lee Harmon; her son, David; her daughter, Elaine "Lainie"; and her son, Mark.

Ethel spent over sixty-five years with her husband as a real estate broker and developer. They owned and operated Ranchero Realty in Yuba City. Ethel was one of the first women in Northern California to be licensed as a general contractor. Ethel and Lee developed several residential and commercial projects regionally, including the Bel Air Shopping Center and the Royo Ranchero subdivision in Yuba City, the Saddleback subdivision and the Thunderbird RV Park, Thunderbird apartments, and other projects in Yuba County.

Ethel and her husband also designed and built two beautiful homes at Lake Wildwood, Penn Valley, CA, where they enjoyed their retirement and celebrated many gatherings with family and friends. She loved to travel with her husband, Lee. They visited over 40 different countries and every state in the Union and enjoyed several cruises together, especially their fall, color-filled Mississippi River cruise.

As much as she and her husband were successful business partners, it was Ethel's greatest joy to raise a family in the love of Christ. Ethel devoted her life to serving her church and loving her family.

Ethel was known to all as wise, capable, a consummate businesswoman, elegant, kind, soft-spoken, loving, and fun to be with. She was an extraordinary woman, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Ethel is also survived by her sister, Wanda; and all eleven of her grandchildren who dearly love and adore her: Jimmy Divelbiss, Michelle Lyday, Heather Harmon, Brooke Villapudua, Wade Harmon, Casey Harmon, Rhett Lee Harmon, Jordan Bierstock, Brianna Bierstock, Colton Harmon, and Christopher Harmon. Ethel was also blessed with twelve great-grandchildren.

A private family celebration of her life will be held later per her wishes. In lieu of flowers please donate to your church or favorite charity.

Published by Appeal Democrat from Oct. 14 to Oct. 17, 2023.

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