Ethel Virginia Elza

Ethel Virginia Napier Elza, age 95, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born into the family of Robert Lee and Della Mae Hicks Napier, Ethel lived a long and blessed life marked by faith, determination, independence, and an unwavering love for her family. She shared 50 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, David Elza, who preceded her in death. She was a loving mother to Diana Szalkowski & Bill and Gina Pacheco & David. Ethel cherished her role as grandmother to Dr. Jennifer “Dr. Jen” Szalkowski & Brian, Marianne Szalkowski, Carmen Covarrubias & Abel, Crystal Pacheco & Danny Zebold, and Ryan Pacheco & Amanda. She was a proud great-grandmother to Samantha, Lacroix, Lesandres, Evie, Jos, Sofia, Logan, Brianna, and Aleesa, and was blessed to become a great-great-grandmother to Elisea. She was a dear sister to Paul Napier & wife Shirley, Judy Hayre & husband Garry both of East Bernstadt, KY. She was also a cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, Ethel was preceded in death by her siblings, Robert Lee Napier & wife Alda, William Franklin Napier, James Edward Napier & wife Marian and by her sister Alice Lou Adams & husband Don. Ethel was a determined and hardworking woman who continually pushed herself, always striving to provide brighter opportunities for her children and grandchildren. Her spunk and independent spirit were hallmarks of her life. She lived life on her own terms and remained fiercely independent for as long as she was able. Distance never diminished her love for her family. No matter where they lived, she remained present in their lives and remained a steady source of love, encouragement, and support. She carried herself with grace, dignity, and a little spark that made her uniquely Ethel. Most of all, she loved her family, and they knew it. Her love was steady, constant, and unmistakable. Her legacy lives on in the generations that follow and in the countless memories she created throughout her 95 years. A funeral service honoring Ethel Elza will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of House-Rawlings Funeral Home at 510 East 4th Street in London, Kentucky with Travis Robinson and Jonathon Gregory officiating. Interment will follow at the Ball McQueen Cemetery in East Bernstadt, KY. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 22, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m. also at House-Rawlings Funeral Home until the funeral hour. A separate visitation will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home, 39 North Cass Avenue, Westmont, Illinois 60559. Although Ethel has left this earthly home, the love she shared and the example she set will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. The family has entrusted House-Rawlings Funeral Home with the arrangements.