Lorean Alice Ettinger Antuna
June 12, 1912 - August 7, 2020

Lorean Alice Ettinger Antuna- 108 years old.

Lorean Antuna earned her wings on Friday August 7th in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was loved and cherished by her family and will live in our hearts forever. Lorean was born in Cameron, Missouri on June 12th, 1912. Her parents were Lawrence and Martha Ettinger. Her siblings were Marguerite, Melvin and Lloyd. She lost her mother when she was 4 years old. She was raised by her stepmother Bertha Taylor Ettinger. She was very proud that she was the only sibling to graduate from the 8th grade.

At 16 years old, she and her 14 year old sister Marguerite, left home and moved to St. Joseph, Missouri securing a job at the Douglas Candy Factory. In 1932 she met a prize fighter named Nicolas Antuna at a dance hall. She tagged him for a dance and they were wed a year later in 1933. In 1935 their only child Donna was born. Nick was drafted in World War II and went to fight for his country in the Philippines and Japan. Lorean wrote him every night praying for his safe return.

After the war, Lorean and Nick moved to Fairfield, California where they continued to work and raise their daughter Donna. In 1954 Donna married Ron Rollins. Lorean often said he was the son she always wanted. Ron and Donna eventually moved their family out of state. Lorean and Donna always remained close.

Lorean and Nick were married for 63 years. They were active members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars for many years. Nick passed away in 1997. Lorean continued to live in Fairfield visiting his grave and tending to their large vegetable and flower garden. At 90 years old she sold her home and moved in with her daughter Donna and son-in-law Ron in Cave Creek, AZ.

Lorean lived with with Donna and Ron until the last few months of her life. She shared many holiday celebrations, birthdays, weddings and graduations with her family. She had 4 grandchildren Darby, Julie, Michael, and Greg including their spouses Michael McDermott, Gene Skelton, Rachel Penera-Rollins, and Deborah Sanders. The family continued to grow with the addition of 9 great grandchildren, Dillon, Keegan, Trevor, Chase, Brigit, Sarah, Sean, Grayson and Peyton. Lorean was always there with her love and support for her family.

When asked about her age, she would say " It's only a number." She played her favorite game of Yahtzee with whomever would play and usually won! Her final game was played with her granddaughter Darby just 8 days before she said her peaceful goodbyes. She was an amazing and awesome woman and we will miss her very much. She will be reunited with her husband Nick in Fairfield, California. Services will be held at Bryan-Baker Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Hospice of the Valley 1510 E Flower St. Building 2, Phoenix, AZ 85014 and the American Legion www.legion.org/donate.

Tributes