Ethel Elizabeth Holtermann was born in Durango, Colorado on October 16, 1922, to Dermont and Aileen Rose Yates. The family farmed in Telluride, CO for a few years and then moved to Tehachapi. Ethel and Hubert met during high school in Tehachapi. She graduated in 1942 and they were married the day after her graduation. Hubert joined the Army and Ethel followed Hubert while he was stationed in the United States. When Hubert returned from Europe after the war, they started farming in Wasco. Ethel worked as a waitress, telephone operator, and picked cotton, but more importantly she was a wife and mother to 3 children. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents and her twin brothers, William and Richard. She is survived by Hubert, her husband of 69 years, her daughters, Elaine Culbertson (Steve) of Napa, Ann Spanel of Bakersfield, and son Tim (Karen) of Wasco, and her sister, Esther Holtermann of Bakersfield. Ethel is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren who affectionately called her "Ahha". Ethel was a devoted member of St. John the Evangelist Church Parish in Wasco. She was a member of the Wasco Woman's Club and she also loved to play bridge and get her hair done on Fridays. In addition, she enjoyed her time with her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Ethel and Hubert traveled to many countries of the world especially Europe. They also enjoyed their road trips across the United States. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at Peter's Funeral Home in Wasco on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 7pm, for Ethel Holtermann who entered into rest, January 24, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. John the Evangelist Church in Wasco on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 10am. A special thank you to All Home Health Care, Hoffman Hospice, Health South, and Bakersfield Heart Hospital who lent comfort to Ethel during the past month. Ethel was the true matriarch of the family. She will be truly missed by one and all. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Holtermann Family Scholarship through Wasco Community Scholarship, the Wasco Woman's Club or The Guild House.