Chet Ethington

Chester Herman "Chet" Ethington, 97, a longtime Casa Grande farmer, died on Oct. 23, 2011, in Casa Grande.
Mr. Ethington was born on Jan. 4, 1914, in Louisville, Ky., to Peter H. and Anna T. (Phillips) Ethington. His family came to Arizona in 1917 when he was 3. He spent most of his life in Casa Grande and graduated from Casa Grande Union High School, where he played varsity basketball. He then attended the University of Arizona, where he played football as a freshman until he suffered a knee injury. He married his high school sweetheart, Elda N. Roberts, on Feb. 24, 1932. He worked on his father's ranch and then, upon his father's death, raised cotton and alfalfa on his mother's land as well as his own land near Casa Grande until his retirement.
The couple raised four children in Casa Grande and were active members of Calvary Baptist Church, Trinity Southern Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande during their 73-year marriage. After his wife's death in 2005 he continued to live at The Garnet of Casa Grande until last June, when he moved to Family Tree Assisted Living Home. During their marriage they enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their summer homes in Greer and, more recently, Prescott. Anniversary trips to Alaska and Hawaii and a special 72nd anniversary celebration at The Garnet were among their treasured memories.
He especially treasured his time teaching a junior high boys Sunday school class for several years at Trinity Baptist Church. Those men, now in their 60s, still talk about the great memories they have and the example he set before them as both a teacher and deacon. He also served as grand master of Pinal Masonic Lodge in Casa Grande and worthy patron of Casa Grande Chapter 28, Order of the Eastern Star. He loved time with his family and friends and was known for his faith in God, quiet service and the consideration, kindness and generosity he extended to those around him.
Survivors include a son, Ronnie Ethington; a daughter, DiAne Ethington Ashton; his youngest brother, Bob Ethington; 14 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; and 23 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Shirley Crosby and JoAnn Ashburn; three sisters, Evelyn Sturgill, Edith Price and Gena Goebel; and two brothers, Calvin and Alvin T. "Curly" Ethington.
Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel. The funeral will be Friday at 10, with viewing from 9 to 9:30 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande, with the Rev. Dr. Ben Seller and the Rev. Raymond Wilson officiating. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery.
Contributions in Mr. Ethington's name may be made to: Hospice Compassus, 1675 E. Monument Plaza Drive, Casa Grande, AZ 85122, or Seeds of Hope, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 702 E. Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande, AZ 85122.