Ethel Lucille Lewter, of Wood River, Illinois and formerly of Malvern, died Thursday, May 29, 2025 at her home a day after celebrating her 85th birthday. She was born in Malvern on May 28, 1940, to the late Bernie Lewter and Mable Burton Lewter.  Reared and receiving her early education in Malvern, she later graduated from Henderson State University with a Bachelor's degree in education.  Ethel taught school for 15 years, mainly English and French language classes, at Lake Hamilton, Corning, Arkansas, and St. Louis, Missouri.  She later attended Jr. College in Missouri and attained an associate degree in nursing, becoming a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in 1976.  She worked at St. Mary's in St. Louis and finished her career by retiring from Hot Spring County Medical Center.  Ethel had been a member of First United Methodist Church.  She was an avid reader.  Ethel tutored and travelled extensively with her nephew, Spencer, in his youth, establishing a lifelong loving relationship.

She is survived by her partner, Jeannie Helmkamp; her nephew, Spencer Chow (Chrissy) of Pasadena, California,  by great-niece and -nephew, Lola and Roman; and by numerous cousins.

Ethel was also preceded in death by her sister, Judy Lewter Chow.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 Saturday morning, June 14, 2025, in Oak Ridge Cemetery with Reverend Courtney Bacon-Latina officiating and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.