Ethel Andrews

Ethel Lee Caroline Andrews, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Emplify Health (Gundersen) in La Crosse, Wisconsin, surrounded by her loving family.

Ethel was born April 28, 1931, in Chesterfield, South Carolinato Eddie and Bessie Teal. The youngest of six children, she spent the first 21 years of her life in the Carolinas, calling the Rockingham and Hamlet areas of North Carolina home. While there, she met Gerald Stankey, who was stationed in Fayetteville. The two were married in 1951 and later moved to La Crosse in 1952, and together had four children before eventually divorcing.

A devoted and loving mother, Ethel had a gift for making everyday moments feel special for her children. In 1964, she married Jesse Andrews, and together they welcomed two more children. Family was always at the heart of her life.

While raising her children, Ethel was deeply involved in their lives, volunteering her time with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, bowling teams, and many other activities. Later, she proudly took on the role of enthusiastic cheerleader for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, rarely missing a game, performance, or milestone.

A hardworking woman, Ethel devoted 30 years of her working life to Kmart in La Crosse. Known for her warm smile, cheerful attitude, and outstanding customer service, she was beloved by coworkers and customers alike.

She loved to travel, especially on road trips with family back to the Carolinas to visit siblings and extended family. One of her lifelong dreams was to visit Hawaii, a dream fulfilled when her children gifted her the trip as an early 80th birthday present. She cherished every minute of her time in that magical place.

A woman of strong faith, Ethel devoted many years to Wesley Methodist Church in La Crosse until its closing. More recently, she became a member of North Presbyterian Church, where she was grateful to once again have a church home after yearswithout one.

Ethel was truly one of a kind—joyful and full of life, with a quick wit, a resilient spirit, and a heart grounded in kindness and faith. She met everyone with understanding rather than judgment and welcomed family with open arms, making her home a place of warmth and belonging. Christmas was Ethel’s favorite season, a time she cherished bringing loved ones together. She took great joy in hosting family, celebrating traditions, and creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

Ethel is survived by her daughter Wanda (David) Goyette and their children, Christopher and Melinda; daughter Doris Glenon and her children, Julie, DJ, Anthony, and Andrew; grandchildren Jessica and Nicolas, children of her late son Kenneth Stankey; daughter Barbara (David) Lenser and their children Nicole, Michelle, Danielle, and Derek; son Brian Andrews and his daughter Valerie. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one sister, four brothers, and her sons Kenneth Stankey and Richard Stankey.

In honor of Ethel’s wishes, a private service has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to the Children’s Miracle Network.