ETHEL M. PROUTY, 88, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday evening, November 8, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Village in Winfield.

Born on July 8, 1921 in Winfield, Kansas, she was the daughter of David Jackson and Ina Bessie (Courtney) Brooks. She was raised and received her education in Winfield and graduated from Winfield High School in 1938.

She was united in marriage to Ralph Edward Prouty on December 20, 1941 in Winfield. The couple later divorced. During World War II, Ethel worked at Boeing Aircraft as one of the first Rosie the Riveters.

She later worked as a charge nurse at the Good Samaritan Village. Ethel also worked as a registered nurse at the Heritage House for 14 years and the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center for 11 ½ years. Following her retirement from WSH&TC in 1983, she did private nursing duty until 1996.

Ethel was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Winfield, the Womens' VFX Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary. Her hobbies included her nursing career, sewing and animals.

Her family includes:
Her son: Mark Jay Prouty and wife Sharon of Winfield, KS;
Her son-in-law: Pat Burns of Winfield, KS;
Her brother: Dr. Harold Kelly "Ike" Brooks of Puerto Rico;
Her grandchildren: Sarah Beth Reed, Heidi Kay Reed, Eric Thomas Fraley and Cory Davis; and
Her great-grandchildren: Thomas McCormack and Zacchara Reed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Edward Emmett Prouty; her daughter, Peggy Burns; her brothers, Howard and Lewis; and her sister, Bertha Mae Ruff.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, November 13, 2009 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M., Thursday, November 12, 2009. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M., that evening.

A memorial has been established in Ethel's name for the Womens' VFW Auxiliary. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.