Ethel Clinite

Ethel “Mamaw” Clinite, age 89, of Canyon Lake, TX, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 7, 2026. Known for her love of all things green and froggy,

Mamaw was incredibly loving, overly generous, fiercely independent, beautifully creative, and had the wit and sense of humor to rival most comedians. A woman of great faith in Jesus, she had a way of making everyone around her feel like family and that they were loved dearly.

Ethel was born on March 5, 1937, in Lockwood, Missouri, to Frederick and Mary Ellen Hancock, number 7 of 8 children. The family moved to Texas when she was a year old and always joked that she got here as quickly as she could! She was an incredible mother to 4 children, which she raised primarily on her own in the piney woods of East Texas. Early in life she was a beautician and commercial seamstress, all while also being a professional cake decorator on and off for decades. Ethel was the first woman to ever work as a tech for Lone Star Gas in Athens, Texas, and spent years working for Murray’s Corporation in Palestine, Texas, where she met her very best friend in all the world, Brenda. She retired from Argon Medical Supply at age 62 after meeting the absolute love of her life, and favorite fishing buddy, Ray Clinite. They married on October 14, 1995, and had an amazing 10 years together before he went home to Jesus on May 4, 2006. She lived the last 20 years of her life as a resident of Canyon Lake, Texas, enjoying her family and endless shopping adventures with her daughter.

Some of her favorite pastimes were finding a good fishing hole, camping and creating beautiful crochet masterpieces for her family, related or chosen. Always up for an adventure, she loved to visit state parks and take road trips with her children and grandchildren throughout her life. Disney and musicals were her jam and giving was her love language. To her, St. Patrick’s Day was the best day of the year because everything could be draped in green. There was always a joke or silly song to brighten your day, and her original birthday cards and songs’ cleverness were second to none.

An avid reader, she never found a good romance or western she didn’t like. Mamaw was always creating yummy, sweet treats for everyone around her, always making sure to point out if it was sugar-free or not! Her pancake shapes were a work of art and were always a crowd favorite, but nothing compared to “Mamaw Burritos”! All her grandchildren and great grandchildren continuously claim to be her favorite when actually, she was everyone’s favorite.

Ethel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray Clinite of LaRue, Tx, her son, Gary Mennerick of Fairfield, TX, her best friend, Brenda Cable of Palestine, Tx and her parents, brothers and sisters. She is survived by her son Frederick “Freddy” Mennerick and wife Tina of Poynor, Tx, daughter Elizabeth “Beth” Holcomb and husband Rory “Joe” of Canyon Lake, Tx, and son Daniel “Danny” Mennerick and wife Joy of Newcastle, OK. Grandchildren, Amy, Heather, Sarah, Michelle and husband Bryan, Brittany and husband Kevin. Great-grandchildren Destiny and husband Chris,

Kaleb, Cierra and husband Holden, Mailani, Kaimana, Selah, Jacob, Jillian and Noah. Great-GREAT grandchildren Noah and Rosalie. Along with many nieces and nephews and countless others who became her adoptive family.

Mamaw’s celebration of life will be held in June and will be communicated once plans are finalized.