From the
Casa Grande Dispatch
Casa Grande, Arizona
(Pinal County)
Saturday, February 22, 2003

Alvin T. "Curly" Ethington, 86, of Casa Grande, died January 28, 2003 in Prescott, Arizona.

Alvin Thomas (Curly) Ethington was born on December 11, 1916 in Louisville, Kentucky to Peter Herman and Anna Thomas (Phillips) Ethington. His family came to Arizona in 1917 when Curly was 9 months old. He spent most of his life in Casa Grande, and graduated from Casa Grande High School in 1935. He learned Spanish as a boy, working on his father's ranch and felt a special kinship with his Hispanic friends. He married Lorraine Egly, an Arizona native, August 2, 1936. They raised their family in Casa Grande, and lived there until Lorraine's death in 2002. They were married for 66 happy years. Along with his wife, Curly did many things to foster the community's well-being during his life, including serving on the Hospital Board and volunteering with the Masonic Lodge, where he held the office of Grand Master. He promoted the Community Concerts program and encouraged art and education in Casa Grande. Curly was a businessman, rancher and farmer. He was also a devoted church worker who loved children and sought their welfare through his church affiliations, serving as a Sunday School Superintendent for over 25 years. After his retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively, including Europe, South America, the Far East and the Galapagos Islands. He treasured his life with his wife, children and granddaughter, and will be remembered for his love of God, his enjoyment of life, and for laughter and jokes. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Memorial service will be held Thursday, February 27 at 1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande with Reverend Rick Lemberg officiating. Contributions in memory of Mr. Ethington may be made to Adult Care Services, 878 Sunset Rd., Prescott, Arizona 86301, the RTA Hospice Foundation, 1675 East Monument Plaza Dr., Casa Grande, Arizona 85222, or the "Organ Fund," in care of First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande, 702 E. Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande, Arizona 85222.

Simes Mortuaries Casa Grande Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.