Ethel Icard Hildebran Starnes Roberts, 93, of Hickory passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Carolina Rehabilitation of Burke following a period of declining health.

Ethel was born June 26, 1931 in Burke County, to the late Ellis Eugene Lowman and Bertha Icard Hildebran. She was a member of Mt. Hebron Baptist Church and loved reading and word search puzzles.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her stepmother, Rae Lowman; stepfather, Earl Hildebran Sr.; brothers, Mick Hildebran, Herman Hildebran, JD Hildebran, Cecil Hildebran, Wimpy Lowman, and Larry Lowman; and sister, Gaynell Toney.

She is survived by her children, Kay Harwell and husband Gary, Karen Cook, Johnny Starnes Jr., and Tammy Gibbs and husband Floyd; nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Rita Shuford, Betty Buff, Earl Hildebran Jr., Patsy Gragg and husband Robert, and Kathy Bowman and husband Gary; sisters-in-law, Cathy Hildebran, Mary Lowman, and June Lowman; and brother-in-law, Darrell Toney.

A memorial service will be held on November, 6 2024 at 4:00 PM at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church with Pastor Eric James officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Hebron Baptist Church c/o Faith Promise at 4805 Miller Bridge Rd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 or to the Salvation Army of Greater Hickory at PO Box 1167, Hickory, NC 28603

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.