Ethel Ellen Abernathy, 62, of Belvidere, died Friday, January 27, 2012, in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born January 4, 1950 in Kewanee, IL, daughter of James and Irma (Damar) Branson. Married Wayne Abernathy on June 1, 1991 in Poplar Grove. Worked for the Illinois Tollway for 17 years. Ethel was a lifelong member of the VFW, enjoyed cooking, baking, and putting puzzles together. Survivors include her loving husband Wayne, daughter Tonia (Andy) Henning of Dallas, TX, son Bryan Hicks of Belvidere, sister Dollie Branson of Moultree, GA, brother Harold (Marge) Branson of Belvidere, and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, sisters Carol Evans, Millie Bakken, and Kaye Joliff, brothers Wayne, Donald and Edward Branson.