Ethel Maud Darton was born on October 8, 1935, in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was the third of six children born to George W. and Altomae Darton. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Santa Barbara, California, where Ethel spent much of her childhood and learned to speak Spanish. She later relocated with her family to Los Angeles, where she attended middle school and high school, and went on to take college courses at Los Angeles City College.

Ethel married Lloyd McNeal, and together they raised three children: Lloyd C. McNeal (deceased), Karina M. Kee, and Reginald A. McNeal. Family was always central to Ethel’s life, and she took great joy in being present for the milestones and everyday moments of her children and grandchildren.

Ethel entered the workforce in the aerospace industry, where she dedicated over 35 years of service. She worked as an inspector, assembler, and expert solderer. A true perfectionist, Ethel was known for her exceptional skill reworking PCB boards. Her work was so precise that inspectors often could not tell a board had ever been reworked.

She was known for her collard greens, fried chicken, and chitlins, and was a proud, low-key foodie. Ethel loved dogs, reading, and daytime talk shows, and had a special fondness for dad jokes and dumb jokes she shared with her grandkids. Her favorite music included Al Green, Carole King, classic R&B, and Grover Washington Sr., and she also enjoyed watching The Boondocks.

Ethel had a quiet yet strong personality. She valued her independence and lived life on her own terms. Though petite and private by nature, she was undeniably feisty and remained so right up to the very end.

She enjoyed traveling with her daughters' families and spending time with her grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply.

Ethel transitioned peacefully on January 22, 2026, in Reseda, California.

She is survived by her children and their families, including Karina Kee and her husband Tom Kee; Reginald McNeal and his wife Artilla McNeal; her sisters Ora Lee Harden and Garnetta Gilbert, and her brother Walter Darton and his wife Maesoa.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Thomas W. Kee; Brandon Kee and his wife Olivia Kee; Regina McNeal; Christien Turner; Ellese Turner and her husband Omari, Lloyd E. McNeal and his wife Destinee and Reginald Arnette Jr. She leaves behind six great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Affectionately known as "Grandma Tuttie," Ethel will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved her.