Ethel Mae Lathbury, 68

DAGSBORO - Ethel Mae Lathbury, of Dagsboro, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, surrounded by her loving family. She was 68.

She was born in Melsons, Md., daughter of the late Preston and Wilsie (Layton) Smith.

Mrs. Lathbury and her husband were the former owners and operators of Lathbury Poultry Processing, Williamsville.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Charles Truitt.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Robert; five children, Robert Lathbury and his wife Becky of Bishopville, Md., Barbara Phillips and her husband Craig of Dagsboro, David Lathbury and his wife Patti of Bridgeville, and Julie Truitt and Shana Lathbury, both of Dagsboro; two brothers, John W. Smith and his wife Stella of Showell, Md., and David Smith and his wife Pat of Millsboro; two sisters, Mary Phillips and her husband Albert of Millsboro and Phyllis Bare and her husband Jack of Frankford; 11 grandchildren, Craig Phillips II, Robert M. Lathbury II, Rhonda Cannon, Kelly J. Phillips, Charles Truitt III, Jeannie Parkhurst, Tony Lathbury, Tabitha Truitt, Carrie Truitt, Jonathan Lathbury and Rachel Griffith; three step-grandchildren, Kimmie Toomey, Melinda Toomey and Charles Toomey; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Ethel's memory to Tunnell Cancer Center, 18941 John J. Williams Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Frankford.