IRVINGTON—Ethel May Wiley, loving wife and mother, passed away Saturday, March 23, 2019.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Milton W. Musbach, of Deltaville.
Ethel is survived by her loving husband, Cloyde Wiley Jr., and sons, Donald R. Musbach of Quebec, Canada, and Richard P. Musbach of Weathersfield, Vt., as well as her brother, S.E. Hale Jr., of Dallas, Texas, and sister, Gloria Tidrow, of Dallas. Other surviving Wiley family members include sons, Cloyde Wiley III and wife Barbara, Boyd and wife Brenda, and Bruce and wife Sharon, along with their respective children and grandchildren. Other surviving Musbach family members include Richard’s wife Diane, and granddaughter Amanda and husband, Lance Higginbotham, and great-grandchildren Joshua and Sophia.
Born in New York City, May 29, 1926, to parents Mr. and Mrs. Herman Schaffer, Ethel moved to Middletown, N.Y., where she graduated from high school in 1944. She worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C., and later married Milton W. Musbach of Middletown, N.Y. After moving to Pittsfield, Mass., she maintained a long association with South Congregational Church and through the “Couples Club” made life-long friendships. Ethel maintained a secure and loving home, was active in church and community, and found time to earn certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She continued her education earning a bachelor’s in psychology from University of Massachusetts.
Lucy’s Cove in Deltaville became her home after Milton’s retirement. This marked a long and fruitful association with Philippi Christian Church. Ethel’s involvement in both church and later with Hands Across Middlesex continued until her death.
Of everlasting importance in Ethel’s life was meeting Cloyde Wiley at Alzheimer’s Support Group meetings. After their marriage at Christ Church in 2005, they maintained a home at Lucy’s Cove and enjoyed extensive travel through the years. Later they moved to Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury in Irvington where many friendships grew through their involvement with all aspects of life. Ethel loved everyone she met and everyone loved her. She taught us the joy of loving one another.
An announcement will be forthcoming for a celebration of her life in the month of May.
Memorials in honor of Ethel Wiley can be sent to Philippi Christian Church, P.O. Box 555, Deltaville, VA 23043.
