Ethel Doris Miller Domel
Ethel Doris Miller Domel died peacefully at age 98 on September 12, 2026 in Georgetown, Texas. She was born in Walburg on December 24, 1927, the first child of Fritz Otto Miller and Lula Homeyer Miller. She was baptized January 15, 1928, and confirmed April 6, 1941, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Walburg. She attended Ranger Branch School in Williamson County, Georgetown Public Schools, and graduated from Edgewood High School in San Antonio.
In October 1943, Ethel began a letter exchange with Norman Domel during World War II. Norman served as an Army firefighting engineer overseas, and their letters eventually led to engagement when Norman returned.
They married October 13, 1946, at St. Peter, and for more than 60 years made their home on their farm east of Georgetown, where they raised cattle and row crops.
Ethel loved to learn, and passed that love to her children, all of whom graduated college. Reading, traveling, dancing with Norman, playing piano and looking after others filled her life with joy.
She was a natural leader: she helped start the Domel Family Reunion, was a founder of Zion Lutheran Church's annual Wurstbraten event, and in 1979, she and Norman were founding members of Faith Lutheran Church in Georgetown.
Ethel's greatest legacy is the family she nurtured. Every Christmas Eve - her birthday - her grandchildren put on their annual Nativity play for family gathered at the farm.
Her life was long, full and deeply connected to the people and places she loved. Her absence will be felt profoundly, but so too will the gift of having her as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, Fritz and Lula Miller; her husband, Norman Domel; her infant daughter, Diana Kay; her brother, Billy Miller; and her sister, Gretchen Walther.
She is survived by her children: Edith Domel Bullock (Leon) of Mansfield, Linda Domelsmith (David) of Temple, Norman Michael Domel (Barbara) of Meridian, Mark Timothy Domel of Georgetown, Gary Alan Domel of Austin, and Douglas Ryan Domel (Nancy) of Santa Clarita, California.
She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren: Erin Bullock Heinz (Frank; daughters Eleanor and Amelia), Alison Bullock, Leon Barrett Bullock (daughters Elara and Lula), Susan Domelsmith Cabral (Marcos; son Enzo), Courtney Domel Moses (Todd; children Trinity and Callen), Matthew Domel (Sarah; children Jack, Lily, and Krete), Mark Jonathan Domel (daughters Abigail and Emily), Jessica Domel, Christopher Alan Domel (children Ashley and Ryan), Mason Domel (Skyler; children Taytum and Thatcher), Marshall Domel, Joshua Domel (Laura; children Gabriella and Caleb), and Tabitha Domel Barritt (children Westin and Makenna).
Ethel is further survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Miller of Georgetown, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Services
Visitation: Friday, September 25, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78633. Funeral Service: Saturday, September 26, at 10:00 AM - Faith Lutheran Church, 4010 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78628.
Burial: IOOF Cemetery, 1117 E. 7th Street, Georgetown, TX 78628.
Memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church capital campaign. The family is extremely grateful to the Wesleyan community of care homes and Georgetown Nursing and Transitional Care for their loving care over the years, and to Ethel’s 100-year-old roommate, Millie, for the comfort she provided.