Ethel Fern (Schneider) Dougherty Blaise

Ethel Fern (Schneider) Dougherty Blaise, 88, of Fayette, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, after a series of unexpected health challenges. Upon hospital admission, she battled a serious staph infection and several complications. She suffered a mild stroke, followed by a more significant stroke a week later.

Ethel was born on May 14, 1937, in Hermann, Missouri, to Edwin and May Schneider. Upon graduating from Hermann High School class of 1955, she attended Central Methodist College. It was there that Ethel met her first husband, Edward Morrison Dougherty, marrying on July 20, 1957.

This new chapter centered on family, hard work, and deep devotion to those she loved. Ed, Ethel, and their three children owned and operated Maple Lawn Rest Home, located on Ed’s family farm in rural Howard County. In those years, she and Ed raised their children, served as foster parents, ran a busy household, and assisted in the daily operations of the nursing home. It could easily be said that Ethel accomplished more in a single day than most did in a week.

Ethel later accepted a position as Director of Financial Aid at CMC, combining her business acumen and joy of helping others.  Ethel also was a graduate of CMC, where she completed her associate degree in business administration.

Ethel’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was actively involved in her church and generously shared her musical talents, playing both piano and organ for many years in the congregations she was a member of.

Her greatest love was her family, who brought her endless joy. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was called Granny or Granny Quack Quack and spoiled each any chance she had. She hosted ‘Camp Granny’ in the summers for her four granddaughters and created memories for a lifetime. She was an exceptional hostess, welcoming family and friends into her home with ease and warmth. Whether hosting twenty for a holiday meal or simply gathering loved ones around the table, she made it all seem effortless. An excellent cook and baker, she expressed her love in ways that brought people together and made them feel at home.

On January 2, 2006, Ethel married Ardyth D. Blaise. Together they made their home in Fayette, where they remained, building a life grounded in companionship and faith.  She enjoyed family time with Ard’s four boys and their spouses, 12 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Ethel will be remembered as a woman of faith, compassion, strength, and quiet determination—someone who gave fully of herself to her family, her work, and her community.

Ethel is survived by her husband, Ardyth; sisters Carol Nolting (Chicago, IL) and Ruth (and Larry) Hauser (Big Springs, MO); children Kathy (and David) Kauffman of Armstrong, David Dougherty of Merriam, Kansas, and Darin (and Shelby) Dougherty of Fort Worth, Texas; grandchildren Eric, Ryan, Shae, Sarah, Taylor, and Megan; and great-grandchildren Xavier, Xander, and Lennox. She was preceded by her husband, Ed, in 2004 and brother-in-law Roy Nolting in 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Faith Family Church (710 Hwy. 240) in Fayette. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Faith Family Church or the Fayette Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.

Condolences may be shared at www.carryager.com.

Carr-Yager Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.