Ethelinda Garcia

Ethelinda Garcia, 93, passed away October 5, 2023.  

It is with sweet sorrow that we announce that Ethelinda (Ethel) Hernandez Garcia, age 93, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on October 5, 2023. Visitation will be 5:30-7:30PM, Tuesday, October 10 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri.  Funeral services will be 11AM, Wednesday, October 11 at First Baptist Westside, 801 Avenida Cesar A. Chavez, Kansas City, Missouri; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Ethel was born on January 13, 1930, as the youngest child to her parents, Jose M and Jovita Hernandez. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as all her siblings: Santos Hernandez, Leo Hernandez, Fred Hernandez, Ana Hernandez, Evangeline Hernandez, Rachel Ramirez, Miriam Lopez, Hope Vasquez, and Erlinda Aguirre. Her journey in heaven was further joined by her infant son, Robert, and grandson, Michael Anthony.

Throughout her life, Ethel remained devoted to her faith and community, dedicating herself to the First Mexican Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. For over seven decades, she graced the congregation with her musical talents as the church organist, and her service extended to roles as the choir director, pianist, and caregiver in the church's daycare center. However, above all these roles, her greatest source of joy was nurturing and raising her five beloved children.

In 1951, Ethel met the love of her life, Jesus Miguel Garcia, within the sacred walls of their church. They married on May 17, 1953, and together, they were blessed with a remarkable 70 years of shared life, love, and countless blessings. Ethel's legacy continues through her cherished survivors: her beloved husband, Jesus Miguel Garcia; two devoted sons, Mike (Valerie) Garcia and Alfred Garcia; and three loving daughters, Rosalinda (Kevin) Fryrear, Elsa (Brad) Terry, and Susie (Mitch) Mitchell. Ethel was blessed with 13 grandchildren: Daniel Garcia, Christopher (Ashley) Fryrear, Melody (Donnie) Cox, Stephen (Carleigh) Fryrear, Melinda Sanchez, Amanda (Abel) Acosta, Isabel (Jasper) Altom, Maia Terry, Jonathan (Jessie) Mitchell, Curtis Mitchell, Sara (Nate) Swartwood, and Cristina Mitchell, along with 28 great-grandchildren.

Ethel will be dearly missed as a loving wife, mother, Grandma, Aunt, friend, and sister in Christ. Her memory and influence will forever be etched upon every heart she touched. As Ethel enters her eternal reward, we know that Heaven has been made all the sweeter by her presence.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Ethel’s name to either First Baptist Church Westside or NorthCare Hospice House. Your support is deeply appreciated at this time.