MITCHELL – Helen Ethelene “Ethel” Wilcoxen, 87, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2025, at her residence.
Born March 26, 1938, in Washington County, she was the daughter of Raymond and Edna (Trinkle) Lessig. She married Ervil L. Wilcoxen, Jr. on October 10, 1966, and he preceded her in death on June 10, 1998.
Ethel worked in housekeeping at Spring Mill Inn and worked at Jack’s Lounge. She enjoyed going to country concerts, especially at the Mitchell Opera House. Ethel was a fan of USWA Wrestling, NASCAR, Dale Ernhardt, Sr., and the music of Elvis Presley. She loved being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ethel was of the Christian faith.
Survivors include her children, Tim Hughes of Chicago, Illinois, Beth (Chuck) Wilcoxen-Henry of Mitchell, Kathy (Parker) Houchin of Mitchell, and Paul (Vanessa) Wilcoxen of Herrin, Illinois; eleven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Texas.
Her parents; husband; children, Donna Jackson and Raymond Eugene Wilcoxen; grandson, Kevan Wilcoxen; and siblings, Steve Lessig, Gene Lessig, Donald Lessig, and Emogene Brown, preceded her in death.
Graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, at Mitchell Cemetery with Dan Terrell officiating.
The family will receive friends from noon – 1:30 p.m. Friday at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.
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