Ethel S. Fast

Ethel S. Fast, 101, retired teacher who taught in the elementary schools at both Sedgick and Halstead, died Saturday, December 16, 2000 at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton. She was born July 24, 1899 to Paul and Lydia Schindler Trachsel in Pulaski, Iowa. She married Henry A. Fast in 1923 in Pulaski. He died January 3, 1990.

She grew upon the family farm, helping with farm work and housework. She received teacher training in high school and taught in a country school during and after high school. In 1918 she attended Bluffton College in Luma, Iowa, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in home economics in 1922.

She moved to North Newton with her husband in 1936 and taught for many years for Newton Released Time Bible School. She then enrolled in Bethel College where she received her bachelor of science degree in elementary education in 1959. She taught in elementary schools in Sedgwick, Burns, Goessel and Halsted until her retirement.

She was a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church; the American Association of University Women (since 1960); Retired Teachers Association and numerous professional and service organizations in Newton.

Survivors: son, Richard H. Fast, Olympia, Washington; two daughters, Marjorie E. Schowalter, North Newton and Florence Siebert, Reedley, California; sister, Irene Helmick, Bloomfield, Iowa; nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne Schindler and Ernest Schindler.

Graveside services were at Greenwood Cemetery conducted by the Rev. Heidi Regier Kreider. A memorial service is scheduled for a later date.