Attica - Ethel (Shepherd) McMullen, 87, Attica, passed away in the Franciscan Health East Hospital, Lafayette, on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 2:44 a.m.
Ethel was born in Perry County, Kentucky on November 2, 1933. She was the daughter of the late Johnny and Laura (Ross) Shepherd. Ethel formerly lived in Noblesville and Anderson before moving to Attica in 1968.
Ethel formerly worked at Harrison Steel Castings Company in Attica and also was a homemaker.
Ethel formerly attended the Attica Free Methodist Church. She was a member of the Auxiliary of the V.F.W. Post # 3318 of Attica. She enjoyed watching professional wrestling and was an avid NASCAR fan with Jeff Gordon as her favorite driver. She enjoyed her family and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
On January 2, 1954 Ethel married John McMullen in Flintwood, VA. John preceded her in death on October 19, 1994.
Ethel was a modern-day saint. A coal miner's daughter who fought her way out of poverty and then made sure the rest of her family made it out of the hills of Appalachia alongside her. She was a woman who, although having no formal education, was the most intelligent person we have ever met. She suffered more loss than we can put into words, but she always saw the bright side and wore her famous contagious smile regardless. Ethel's love was unlike any other. She would always answer the phone with "Hello? Who is this? OH HI!! HOW'VE YOU BEEN?!"-even if it was a telemarketer. She taught me and my entire family to be kind and to always take care of the ones we love. She was a woman who was a second mother to most everyone who knew her. She taught me and all my siblings so much more than we could ever explain. She was a woman who never knew a stranger. She invited anyone and everyone to her table for a meal and conversation. She was a woman whom after meeting — not a single soul ever had to wonder if she cared about them or loved them. She was the absolute best mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend anyone on this planet could have ever prayed for. We are lucky and blessed to have been loved by such a woman. Our world won't be the same without you here, but we are forever grateful for the time God let us have you.
Forever loving and missing you, Granny Et.
Love Tiffy, Missy, Kandi, Bubby, John, Bradley, Chasey, Hanner, Tynli, Leah.
She leaves behind three children, Jeff (Kay) McMullen; Johnnie (Debbie) McMullen and Lesa (Harley) Britt, all of Attica; thirteen grandchildren, Tiffany (Travis) Childress, Mellisa (Kyle) Sichts, Kansas Neef, Harley Britt Jr., John Britt, Bradley Britt, Shawn (Susan) McMullen, Shannon McMullen, Jeffrey McMullen, Kyle McMullen, Christina (Tony) Delaney, Breanne McMullen and Bryan (Brittany) McMullen; sixteen great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Gray, Anderson, IN and a brother, Lindsey Shepherd, Indianapolis. She was preceded in death by a son, Allen Dale McMullen and thirteen brothers and sisters.
Friends may call at the Maus Funeral Home, Attica, on Friday, January 29th, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.  A celebration of Ethel's life will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 30th, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jerry Badgley officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Attica.