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Ethel Hamous Palecek was born on October 11, 1907 in Spencer, Nebraska. Her family moved to Perry, Oklahoma on July 4, 1922.
Harry Palecek’s family homesteaded in Noble County where they lived in a sod house. Ethel’s family moved to Enid in 1930. On September 2, 1933, Ethel married Harry Palecek.
Harry, with two of his brothers and a sister, operated Palecek Mills for 61 years. The Paleceks began putting vitamins and minerals in feed, and they brought mung beans to Oklahoma. Harry was a pilot and during the 1940s, and Ethel earned her pilot's license. Harry and Ethel started traveling by Airstream trailer in 1955. In 1962 Ethel's sister, Beulah Newell, joined their travels. The Paleceks traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and Europe. Harry passed away in 1988. Ethel and Beulah continued live together and enjoyed traveling.
The Boy Scouts of America Great Salt Plains Council dedicated the Palecek Training and Community Center in appreciation of the Paleceks’ generous contribution. The Paleceks also donated to Leonardo's Discovery Warehouse, Adventure Quest, Sons & Daughters of the Cherokee Strip, Enid Beautiful, Phillips University, and many other local organizations.