Ethel E. Sowash, 96, of Andalusia, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at Aperion Care, East Moline. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, private family services will be held at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. Burial will be in the Andalusia Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan.

Ethel was born on March 29, 1923 in Rock Island, a daughter of Pardon and Beulah (Wood) Johnson. She married Robert Sowash on December 13, 1941 in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death on April 11, 2017. Ethel worked as a secretary for the Rock Island Argus for many years before her retirement. She was a member of Community Baptist Church, Andalusia and the Order of the Eastern Star, Andalusia where she was a Past Worthy Matron. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, knitting, sewing, cooking and bowling. Ethel loved and missed her husband of 75 years. She was especially close to her sisters. She loved being with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Tammy Stoneberger, Andalusia and Tim Sowash, Dixon, IA; grandchildren, Jamie (Scott) Ackerland, Preemption, Jeffrey (Darla) Matlick, Geneseo, Jennifer (Jim Graham) Matlick, E. Moline, Brandon (Amy) Hammond, New Lenox, IL, Travis Sowash, Colorado and Tim (Becki) Chapin, Maquoketa, IA; 14 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren with one "on the way" ; and her sister, Margaret Hasty.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; sister, Ruby Sowash; daughter in law, Diana Sowash; and a nephew, Loren Dale Sowash.

The family would like to thank all those who were involved in Ethel's care.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com

Quad City Animal Welfare Center
724 2nd Avenue W., Milan IL 61264
Web: https://qcawc.org/