Ethel Tavonatti

Her beloved husband of 67 years, Richard J Tavonatti, was by her side until the very end.

Ethel was born and raised in Kingsford. She lived in Chicago for over 50 years before moving back into the original house her husband was born and raised in! Here the two of them enjoyed a long retirement amongst many family and friends. Ethel loved to play dominos, card games, and Scrabble, and she enjoyed making puzzles with her husband. She also enjoyed watching soap operas like “Bold and the Beautiful” and the “Young and the Restless,” which she had been watching since the ’90s.

She also enjoyed classic game shows like “Wheel of Fortune” and “The Price is Right,” and she had been watching “The People’s Court” from the earl days of Judge Wapner up until Judge Judy.

Ethel and Richard were also avid gardeners, and throughout the years they tended a beautiful vegetable garden in their own back yard, which Richard would constantly have to make deer and rabbit proof. Throughout their retirement, they traveled back to Chicago to visit the families of their three daughters, and spend time with all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ethel also loved angels, and her home was decorated with countless statues and paintings depicting them. Endless photos of her family, whom she loved deeply, adorned the walls throughout the house.

Ethel is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Richard; her daughters, Pamela (Louie) Amoroso and Lisa (Tim Svetly) Tavonatti; grandchildren, Anthony Mulatz, Gina (Greg Maryniaczyk) Amoroso, Jason (Nicky) Mulatz, Clayton (Alisha) Luc, and Christopher (Meghyn) Tavonatti; siblings, Ron Mortl and Rosemary Krebs; brother-in-law, Donald (Evelyn) Tavonatti; and nephew, Jeff Tavonatti. She was the proud great-grandmother of nine, Massimino, Marcella, Marc Anthony, Nico, Georgia, Beck, Corbin, Topaz and Zenona; and was an aunt to multiple nieces and nephews.

Ethel is preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Mortl; daughter, Linda (Tom) Mulatz; brothers, Robert and George Mortl, and sister, Joyce Bruel.

Ethel’s final wishes to be cremated and buried in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park will be honored.

She was a wonderful, caring woman who will be greatly missed by all that she leaves behind. She will never be forgotten.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ethel A. Tavonatti online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.