Ethel A. Despenas

Ethel A. Despenas, 79, of 960 Briarstone Drive, died Friday (February 27, 2004) at Banner Baywood Hospital, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Friday at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 1311 2nd St. SW, with Rev. Joseph Mirowski officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:30 PM Thursday at the church with a Trisagion Service at 6:30. Memorials may be given to the Ethel A. Despenas Memorial Fund. Ethel was born January 16, 1925 in Mason City the daughter of Antonios and Maria (Zanios) Malaktaris. She worked for her parents in their business, the Atlas Meat Market while growing up in Mason City. Ethel married Alexander Peter Despenas April 27, 1947 in Mason City. She owned and operated Mason City?s first drive-in restaurant, the Toot and Tell Drive-in from 1946 to 1958 West of Mason City. She would later own and operate Tony?s Restaurant and Pizza from 1966 to 1979 on South Federal. Along with husband Alex, they also owned and operated Midwest Construction Company here in Mason City. Ethel was a member of the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. She enjoyed wintering in Scottsdale, Arizona, crocheting afghans and playing dominos and cards. Ethel was a perfect example of faith, hope and love and will be missed dearly by her family and many friends. She had a giving heart and was always willing to share advice in her gentle and quiet way. Ethel is survived by her children, Anthony Despenas and wife Judy of Milo, Kalliope Eaton and husband Mark of Nora Springs, MariaElena O?Handley and husband P.K. of Waterloo, Peter Despenas and wife Lori of Mason City, Paul Despenas and wife Liza of Johnston, Kay Escobedo and husband Randy of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Angie, Tiffany, Jason, Cassie, Joshua, Zane, Alex, Cole, Jenna, Alexa, Alaina, Aunna, Noah and Steve; great grandchildren, Ashley, Alison, Sydney, Courtney, Tyler, Elisa and Maria; sisters, Helen Pergakis and husband Andrew of Mason City, Stella Rickoff and husband William of Winona, MN, Arita Travlos of Columbia, MO, Philothea Hettinger and husband James of Norwalk; brother, George Malaktaris and wife Georgia of Minot, ND; many nieces and nephews. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Alex in 2001; sister, Bessie Halloran

Visitation:
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church on March 4, 2004 (map/driving directions) 6:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church on March 1, 2004 (map/driving directions)

Service:
10:00 AM at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church on March 5, 2004 (map/driving directions)