Ethel M. Vainwright
July 25, 1930 — December 18, 2017
Margaret Ethel Montgomery Vainwright, 87, passed away Monday, December 18, 2017, in Harlingen, Texas.
Ethel affectionately known as “Mammi” was born in Floresville, Texas on July 25, 1930, to H. Leslie Sellers and Ethel Patterson Sellers. Ethel was a long-time resident of the Rio Grande Valley, particularly Harlingen, where she and her husband Richard T. Montgomery raised two children and were prominent business owners of Rio Paving Construction and Texas Toggery.
Ethel was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard T. Montgomery, second husband, Richard I. Vainwright, son, Richard T. Montgomery, Jr. and daughter, Vikki Ann Wells.
Mammi is survived by her son-in-law Jim Wells, grandchildren, Lisa M. Zepponi (Chet), Tammi J. Greer (Bill), Kimberle A. Wells, Richard T. Montgomery III, and Brandy L. Wells, four great grandchildren, five step-children, numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.
Many will remember Ethel, from shopping at her store “Texas Toggery”, where every garment was steamed before putting on the rack to sell, and rodeo wear was “Queen” of the show floor. As an active business owner, Ethel was a member of the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce and Elk’s Club.
A lifetime member of the Church of Christ faith, she is reunited with her family in her Heavenly home, seeing the remarkable and unimaginable Kingdom of her Savior, Christ the Lord.
The family extends their sincere appreciation to Dr. McMillan and staff for the last several years of making house calls to care for her eyes as well as to the numerous caretakers, physicians and nurses who helped with Mammi’s end of life care.
Visitation with family will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2018, 10:00 am at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 am with Pastor Jake Vincent, Harlingen Church of Christ officiating. Immediately following services a private family graveside burial will be held at Mont Meta Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sunny Glen Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1373, San Benito, TX 78586.