Ethel R. Lawton, loved dearly by her family, passed away Oct. 14, 2008 in Gilroy at the age of 85.
Ethel was born April 30, 1923 in Victor, CA to Dora and Henry Preszler and raised in Lodi, CA with her sister Bernice and brother Arlie. After graduating from Lodi Union High School, Ethel attended Humphreys Business College in Stockton, CA and was working at the US Army Ordnance Depot where she met her husband, 2nd Lieutenant George Lawton at a dance at the “Rod and Gun Club” in Stockton on April 21, 1943.
Three months later, on July 20, 1943 they were married in Pueblo, Colorado. They shared their lives together for the past 65 years. After the war, her husband George worked for the Bank of America in Gilroy and was transferred to Lodi, CA where their daughter Joan and son George were born. Over the course of 30 years the family moved throughout Northern California before finally settling in Gilroy in 1975, the Lawton family home town. After returning to Gilroy, Ethel worked for Phil and Gerrie Lawton at Lawton’s Gem Shop.
Ethel devoted herself to her family and her home. She was an outstanding cook and excellent seamstress, but her passion was her family. She was a strong, quiet, private person with a beautiful smile and a warm heart.
She is survived and will be greatly missed by her husband George Lawton Jr. Her daughter Joan and son in law Eugene Loveless of Hollister, CA. Her son George Lawton III of Nevada City, CA; four grandchildren, Steven Loveless of Paicines, Laurie Loveless of Hollister, Christina Lawton and Amie Lawton of Chicago Park, CA; her brother Arlie Preszler and wife Margie of Lodi; brothers in law Ed Lawton of Santa Clara, Phil Lawton of Gilroy, and Bill Lawton and wife Debra of Scottsdale, AZ as well as many nieces and nephews, their families, her friends and neighbors.
Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
