Obituary of Ethelyn (George) Ankrom

Ethelyn Martha “Tootie” (George) Ankrom passed away January 18, 2024 at the age of 87 surrounded by her family. Born April 22, 1936 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she built a small village in this city. Ethelyn is preceded in death by her husband of over 70 years, Ralph Ankrom Jr., married February 16, 1953. Ethelyn is preceded in death by her loving sisters – Joanne Landy, Patricia Whistler, Janet George, Marjorie O’Brien, and Gloria Leonard. Beloved mother of Ralph Michael (Eileen) Ankrom, Kevin G. (late Elaine) Ankrom, Ethelynn (Russell) Hodil, Lauren (Scott) Carlson, and Stephanie (Mark) Moder. Cherished Sita (grandmother) of Devin (Nick) Shuman, Shaheen Fakhar (Michelle Kringen), Rebecca Fakhar, Marjon (David) Boyce, Michael (Emily) Ankrom, Ashley (Michael) Verostek, Harrison (Autumn) Moder, Victoria Moder (Skyler Smith), Sylvia (Jacob) Toy, Alexander Carlson, Kathryn Moder (Josiah Parkhill). Great-Grandmother of Shawn Fakhar, Benjamin Fakhar, Ryan Fakhar, Charlotte Fakhar, Parker Boyce, Colson Boyce, Rowan Boyce, Xander Ankrom, Logan Ankrom, Michael Verostek, Hallie Joy Moder. Ethelyn was one of a kind – always putting others first with overflowing love and kindness in her heart. In 1966 she took all five of her young children on a train alone from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles just to visit her sister. She worked for Gimbels and Hornes as a detective – running their security and catching shoplifters left and right – earning the nickname “killer” while she was there for her extraordinary efforts. She was an extraordinary cook and never let someone go hungry. She was a faithful member of Berean Church for over forty years – serving as the kitchen director, blessing hundreds of people with meals at Christmas dinners, Easter brunches, and hospitality receptions. She was the beloved leader in the kitchen during every VBS, serving lunches and cookies to hundreds of children throughout the years. She was also a faithful member of many small groups – one of them Crocheting with Love – where she helped make mats for the homeless. She spent her life sharing her love of reading, imaginative cooking, abundant creativity with projects and interior design, love for shopping garage sales and thrift stores for the best deal and hidden finds, passion for the flowers in her garden, and her unrelenting work ethic and wisdom with her family. She was always a light to those around her. Family and friends received on Sunday from 12-3 PM at the Warchol Funeral Home Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412.221.3333), where a service will be held immediately after at 3 PM.