FARMINGTON – Ethel M. Wirta, 80, of Farmington, passed away on Dec. 5.

She was born in Framingham, Mass., on Sept. 19, 1927, the daughter of John and Edith (Zinck) Wesling.

She worked at the Farmington Shoe Shop for many years and then Franklin Memorial Hospital in food service until ill health forced her to retire. She then cared for her loving husband, Elmer F. Wirta Sr., who passed away Jan. 8, 1998.

She enjoyed going for car rides, going out to eat, shopping with Edie and Sonny, and the special time spent with her youngest son Eric. She will be sadly missed by her children and family.

She is survived by her daughter, Edith Dubay of Jay; two sons, Elmer “Sonny” Wirta Jr. of West Seattle, Wash., and Eric Wirta of Farmington; four grandchildren, Donna Vela, Lisa Nile, Jamie Millett and Tara Enman; eight great-grandchildren, Derek, Kristin, Katie, Alexis, Katrina, Danielle, Sheena and Shawna; five great-great-grandchildren, Kaylin, Kodie, Damien, Aiden and Dominick, all of which she loved very much; a special family friend, Billy Gordon; her friend and companion, her cat Mercy; and a very special person in her life who helped take care of things at her house, Mike Knowlton.

She was predeceased by her husband; her parents; a sister, Rose Stanley; and a great-great-granddaughter, Kaylee.

The family would like to thank two caregivers, Ellen Nadeau and Vicki Welch from Care & Comfort for the exceptional care and friendship they gave Ethel during their time with her. Ethel looked forward to and enjoyed special visits every week from family members Albert and Miriam Smith.