Ethel V. Cassan, 81, of Ludington, passed away Saturday, Jan. 1 at Hackley Hospital, Muskegon after an extended illness.

Ethel V. Fitch was born Aug. 29, 1923 in Ludington and was married on Oct. 20, 1943 to James Cassan, Sr., who preceded her in death in March, 1995. Ethel was a lifelong resident of Ludington and a life member of the United Methodist Church of Ludington. She was a 1941 graduate of Ludington High School and attended West Shore Community College.

Ethel was the vice-president of the Women's Society of the Church, and was on the district board. She was active for numerous years with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in the area, was a life member of the auxiliary to the Gold Bar Post 5096 VFW, member of the Emmaus Society and the XYZ Club of the church. Ethel was employed as a teacher's aide at Foster School for many years, retiring several years ago.

Survivors include three daughters, Julie Ann Bentz of Ludington, Jane Tafil of Ludington and Joanne (and Cliff) Truax of Allegan; one son, James (and Susan) Cassan, Jr., of Lake-in-the-Hills, Ill.; nine grandchildren, Steven, James, Larry James, Kevin, Karisa, James III, Jennifer, Jodimae and Debbiejo; 17 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Hazel McDonald, Helen Burmeister and Arlene Brandt, all of Ludington; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death, in addition to her husband, by five sisters and one brother.

Funeral services for Ethel V. Cassan will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Ludington, with Rev. Ken Tabor officiating. Visitation will be at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., where a memorial service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m., by the VFW Auxiliary. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, The United Methodist Church, or Hospice of Michigan-Mason County with envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.