Ethel May Samuelson, of Dexter, MI, age 91 passed away September 3, 2022 at home under the loving care of her family and Arbor Hospice.

Ethel was born September 24, 1930 to parents Amer and Marjory Platt. She married Harold Samuelson, of Menominee, MI, on October 29, 1949, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage before his death on December 9, 2009.

She is survived by her children: Barbara (Steve) Locks of Dexter; Betty (John) Given of Hibbing, MN; David (Susan) Samuelson of Westerville, OH; and Julie Samuelson of Dexter; 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Thompson and preceded in death by her brother, Ernest Platt. 

Ethel received her BS and MA from Eastern Michigan University. She taught in Chelsea briefly before beginning her long career at Dexter schools from 1972 to 1992. As a dedicated elementary school teacher she used traditional and creative ways to help each and every student feel worthy and to reach their potential. One of her memorable teaching highlights was having the students care for and study crayfish. Ethel and Harold traveled to many countries, and lived in Sumatra, Indonesia for two years when Harold worked for the U.S. Rubber Company. She traveled to Sweden many times to visit Harold’s extended family.

Above all, she was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Ethel enjoyed being a member of the Dexter Historical Society and led many school tours around the town and the museum. Ethel was a long-time member of the Dexter United Methodist Church, involved in numerous church activities. A highlight was being a member of the Church and Society Sunday school class. She loved and served the Lord her entire life.

Visitation will be at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  Her funeral will be Friday, September 9, 2022 at Chelsea First United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Dexter Historical Society,  Faith in Action, Arbor Hospice, or Doctors Without Borders, . On-line condolences may be made on www.mitchellfuneral.com. 

The family respectfully requests that masks be worn.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.