Ethel Corrine Koser Swanson Valerius, age 94, of Rockford, Illinois died peacefully, Tuesday, March 15, 2005 in her home after a lingering illness. Ethel was born April 3, 1910 in Omaha, Nebraska the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Louis Koser. Ethel first married Torrey R. Swanson and then John E. Valerius. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Rockford and the church's Mariners group, Rockford Education Association, Illinois Education Association and the National Education Association as well as Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority. As a teacher, Ethel taught two years in rural Allen Nebraska, seven years in Omaha, seven years at Kishwaukee School and twenty-five years at Henrietta School in Rockford. Ethel continued to substitute teach for twenty years after her retirement. She truly loved little children and teaching. Ethel graduated form Peru State Teacher's College in Nebraska and earned her Master's form Columbia University in NYC.Survivors include her grandchildren, Jason (Amy Payne) Valerius of Madison, Wisconsin, Jamie Valerius of West Bend, Wisconsin; daughter in –law Laurie Valerius of West Bend, Wisconsin; step-son John W. Valerius of Rockford, Illinois; step-daughters, Jean Ellison of Loves Park, IL, Joan Dahlstedt of Phoenix, AZ; nine step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Ethel is predeceased by her parents, son James Valerius and sisters LaVera McKearney and Oma Tidwell.

A memorial will be established in her name.