Ethel Hattie Fox

Ethel Hattie (Brecks) Fox passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 at Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living in Cozad at the age of 83. Ethel was born January 9, 1937 in Cozad, Nebraska to William Franklin "Earl" and Sophie (Ostendorf) Brecks. She graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1954. Ethel married Donald James Fox of Gothenburg on March 8, 1958 in Buffalo Gap, Texas. She was the mother of 4 daughters (the 4 J's), Joni Lynn born in Gothenburg, Jana Lea born in Denver, Jenny Lou born in Denver and Jill LeAnn born in Hawaii. Ethel was a great mother and military wife, always able to make a comfortable home in a dozen or so different Air Force assignments. She enjoyed bowling and golf, but her most treasured times were spent with family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Ethel was proud to have been a Commissioned Lay Pastor for 17 years and traveled to many churches around central Nebraska to preach. She spent the majority of those years preaching at Buffalo Grove Church in Lexington, Nebraska. Ethel had the honor of baptizing all 7 of her great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Alice Dorsey and half-sister, Cindy Brecks.

Ethel is survived by her husband Donald James Fox of Cozad; daughters, Joni Fox of Syracuse, NE, Jana (Jay) Dyer of Martell, NE, Jenny (Greg) Wichelt of Cozad and Jill Fox (Darcie Berry) of Ankeny, IA; grandchildren, Stephen J. Dyer of Martell, Andrew (Lexi) Wichelt of Hastings, Rebecca (Ben) Loberg of Holdrege and Morgan Wichelt of Cozad; great grandchildren, Wyatt and Beau Dyer, Jordyn and Sydney Wichelt and Barrett, Palmer and Marshall Loberg; brothers, Earl "Bud" Brecks of Lexington and James Brecks of O’Fallon, IL; sister Glenda (Robert) Martin of Lexington, and step-sister Rosemary Hofferber of Kearney.

Memorials are suggested to the family in her name for later designation. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Family graveside service will be held May 14, 2020 at Cozad Cemetery with Rev. Jill Boyd officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to send flowers may do so at that time. Berryman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.