Ethel J. Dahms' Obituary
Ethel Joyce Dahms passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, at the age of 90. She lived a long and happy life devoted to family, faith, community service, and friendship. She will always be remembered and greatly missed.
Walter “Tom” Dahms and Ethel Rayner were married on July 28, 1956. Together they built a beautiful life filled with adventure, memorable traditions, and joyous gatherings. They enjoyed over 55 years of marriage until Tom's passing in 2012. Their son, Kyle Patrick, preceded them in death in 1993.
Ethel worked in various positions throughout her life, including as a secretary for the Norge Appliance Company, an elementary school librarian, and, most notably, as the office manager for her husband's carpentry business, Muskegon Quality Builders.
Ethel was a social butterfly, always meeting new people and often sending cards and letters to her loved ones. She was a lifelong follower of Christ and a longtime member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she served for many years on their Ladies' Guild and Cradle Roll. She was a loving mother and devoted wife who treasured time spent with her family. If there was an award for "Most Involved Mother", Ethel would be a contender. She tirelessly volunteered her time and talents: as a Rocket cheerleader coach, a scout leader, a fund raiser for March of Dimes, a Sunday school teacher, and organizer of potlucks and other events. She also participated in many community service and charity events as a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority.
Upon retirement from Muskegon Quality Builders, Tom and Ethel devoted their energy to Builders for Christ, a volunteer-based program that utilizes the construction skills, talents. and knowledge of its members to help share the gospel through construction and building projects. Ethel enjoyed close and enduring relationships with those she met through all of these experiences.
Ethel will be lovingly remembered by three children: Teri (Mark) Temby, Thom (Terri) Dahms, and Kelly (Tom) Barlow; nine beloved grandchildren and ten precious great-grandchildren; three sisters: Donna Drabowski, Karlin (Leonard) Corey, and Betty (Dick) Robotham; and many extended relatives.
Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband, their dear son, and her four siblings: Bob (Lois) Rayner, Earl (Bertha) Rayner, Norma Robertson, and Dan (Karen) Rayner. She joins them all in eternal peace and joy.
Visitation will be held for Ethel from 1:00-2:00 PM on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2651 Shettler Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444. followed by a short service officiated by Pastor Joel Kluender.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
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