Ethel Marion Denning

Ethel M. Denning
Belfast
Ethel M. Denning, 78, was reunited with loved ones on Tuesday (August 12, 2025) at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Cuba, NY on October 11, 1946, she was the daughter of Edward and Edith Clayson Gross. She had resided much of her life in Belfast. In her early years, Ethel was employed at Motorola and then DeRock’s in Belfast NY. She also co-owned Jockey Street in Houghton and the Sub Station in Belmont with the DeRock family. She ended her working career for Pioneer Food Service at Houghton College. After retirement, Ethel stayed busy by driving for Amish community.
Ethel was a member of the Belfast Fire Department Auxiliary for several years. Ethel’s biggest passion was organizing and developing the Children’s Gift Giving with her good friend, Gail DeRock, which is now know as “Lisa’s Legacy of Love”, in memory of her daughter Lisa Denning. Although she was always busy, she never missed an opportunity to attend any of Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren’s sporting events, go-cart racing, horse pulls, and school events. Ethel’s family was the most important blessing of her life.
Waiting for Ethel’s arrival were her parents, her husband, Richard Denning, and her daughter, Lisa Denning.
Surviving are her daughters, Kim (John) Ralyea of Belfast, Michelle (Mike) Wonderling of Wellsville, Tamara Denning of Belfast, and her son, Richard (Michelle) Denning of North Carolina, her sister, Bonnie Wilson-Chaney (Dale) of Niagara Falls, her brothers, Harry (Barb) Blossom Jr. of Scio, Stephen (Teresa) Blossom of north Carilina, Todd (Candy) Blossom of Olean. Also surviving are her Grandchildren, Ashley, Coty (Kelsea), Brokton (Christy), Bryson (Kayla), Kayla (John), Caleb (Lilly), Colden, Camille, Kyle (Nickie), Julianna, and Great Grandchildren, Owen, Brody, Hazel, Willow, Noah, Annamae, Mercedez, Paislee, Paxton, Weston, Wrenlee, Zane, Trinitee, and Landon.
Ethel also left behind close family friends, David and Gail DeRock along with many Amish families that called her “Grandma”.
Family and Friends are invited to calling hours on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) from 4 PM until 8 PM at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 101 West Ave. in Angelica. They are also invited to attend a graveside service on Wednesday at 12 Noon at Riverside Cemetery in Belfast. A celebration of life will follow the funeral at 7500 White Creek Road, Belfast.
Friends wishing to remember Ethel, are asked to consider a donation to the Belfast Rescue Squad, C/O Neal Green, 1 Merton Avenue, Belfast, NY 14711.