Ethel Umpleby

She joined the Guides while living in Sheepscar, Leeds, in 1928 and in 1937 became Tawny Owl of the 52nd Leeds St Clements Brownies – a position she held until 1945. She became Lieutenant of the 52nd St Clements Guide Company in 1943 and Captain in 1960 and was also Captain of St Clements Ranger Company from 1953 to 1960.

Miss Umpleby became a county trainer and during sessions at the guide camp centre at Burley Woodhead.

She helped girls to enjoy a range of experiences including trips to Switzerland where they visited the World Association Guild House in Adelboden.

When she retired from active Guiding, she maintained a keen interest through the Trefoil Guild.

In 1998, she was made a vice-president of Girlguiding Leeds and in that capacity supported events across the county, including those during Guiding UK’s Centenary Year in 2010.

Miss Umpleby was a member of the County of Leeds Outdoors Walking Club (CLOD) formed to encourage Guiders to explore country activities and climbed Penyghent in her 80s. In 2005, aged 90, she was appointed its president.

Miss Umpleby spent her early life in Sheepscar and Osmondthorpe, Leeds, before moving to Shadwell in 1957 where she lived until last year. She was one of six children and worked her whole life as a machinist in tailoring.

Marjorie Emsley, who was trained by Miss Umpleby and became County Commissioner for Girlguiding Leeds, said: “Ethel was wonderful. She cared for others and taught the younger generation much.

“She will be sadly missed by all her Guiding friends. I was grateful for Ethel’s support as a vice-president and good friend.”

The funeral will be at St John’s Church, Moortown, Leeds, at 1pm on Monday.