Ethel Berklund passed away at the age of 105 on May 8, 2007. Ethel was born in Sault Saint Marie, Mich. and lived there until 1921 when her family relocated to Jackson. The Hill family embraced Jackson as its new home and it was here that Ethel’s father, William Chester Hill, founded Hill Piston Service Co.

Ethel is preceded in death by her parents, William Chester and Amanda Hill; infant twin brothers; a young sister; and four brothers who lived to adulthood: Ernal, Kenneth, Wilbur, and William Hill. Her first husband, Robert Masters, and her second husband, Frank Berklund also preceded her in death.

Ethel is survived by her sister-in-law, Roberta Hill of Hillsdale, and Ellie Hill of Jackson, Michigan and Venice, Florida. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great great nieces and nephews. She was known to all of them as a generous, kind and fun loving cornerstone of the family.

Ethel graduated from the Mount Ida College for Girls in Newton, Mass. in 1920. She enjoyed a successful career as the private secretary to the president of Bohn Aluminum in Detroit, and later worked in partnership with her first husband, Robert Masters, in his Detroit insurance firm.

During her adult life, Ethel lived in Detroit, Grosse Pointe, and Gaylord for several years each before she returned to Jackson in 1990 to take up residence at Vista Grande Villa.

She enjoyed the lakes and woodlands of Michigan and as well as sightseeing and experiencing the foods and cultures of many other countries. She took one of her longest international trips at age 92 when Ethel and her 89-year-old brother, Kenneth, flew to Australia to visit his son and tour the country.

A memorial service was held at Vista Grande Villa on May 11 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Ed Ross officiating with a private graveside service at Roseland Memorial Gardens in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to any of the following: The Ethel Hill Berklund Scholarship Fund Hillsdale College, 33 E. College St., Hillsdale, MI 49242; the First United Methodist Church, 215 S. Center Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735; or the First United Methodist Church on 275 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49201.

Friends may view Ethel’s obituary and send condolences to family at www.wetherbyfuneralhome.com.

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