Lois E. Antion

Lois Evelyn (Hunter) Antion, 82, of Claysville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Presbyterian SeniorCare with family attending at her bedside. 

Lois was born on May 6, 1944, in Pittsburgh, the daughter of the late Lloyd Hunter and Ruth (Montgomery) Hunter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Roger Antion, whom she married on June 5, 1965, and with whom she raised her 3 children during 37 years of marriage; her brother, Paul Hunter; and her longtime companion, Cecil Fitch, with whom she shared many special memories.

 A 1962 graduate of McGuffey High School, Lois attended Edinboro University, where she pursued her interest in art. Her creativity and curiosity would remain defining qualities throughout her life, finding expression in countless hobbies, crafts, and personal pursuits. Her working life began as a phlebotomist at Washington Hospital, where she enjoyed learning the science behind the tests and procedures she performed. After starting a family with David, she returned to work in the fabric department at JCPenney before taking a full-time position at Troutman's( later Elder-Beerman), where she built a nearly 3-decade career amongst numerous corporate acquisitions and name changes at the store, Lois remained a dedicated and valued employee. In 1993, her commitment and accomplishments were recognized when she was named Sales Associate of the Year, an recognition she remembered with pride. 

Outside of work, Lois was an accomplished seamstress whose talents extended from special-occasion dresses and alterations to beautifully crafted quilts. It was her hand-pieced quilts, however, that beckoned her focus and eventually all her attention. Each was a labor of love, thoughtfully designed, carefully made, and freely given, often to commemorate a special occasion with a theme meaningful to its recipient. 

There was rarely a time when Lois didn't have several sewing projects underway, with enough fabric and supplies on hand for dozens more. She was forever searching for just the right piece of material to complete a design and delighted in discovering a new fabric or sewing supply store. Just as meaningful as the projects themselves were the friendships she developed through her sewing groups, whose gatherings became a treasured part of her life.

 Lois also had a lifelong appreciation for gardening, perhaps rooted in her childhood on a working farm. She had a remarkable knack for growing things, especially African violets, which often started with a discarded leaf or fallen stem. Her backyard garden was steadfastly tended for many years, guaranteed to have several tomatoes, peas or green beans growing in even the driest of years. 

An avid reader, Lois loved words, language, and clever wordplay. Over time, her enjoyment of books expanded into spirited online Scrabble games on her Kindle with opponents near and far. She appreciated a well-turned phrase, especially one with an unexpected twist, and enjoyed the challenge of a good puzzle. In recent years, she spent many happy hours solving crosswords, drawing on a lifetime of reading and an impressive vocabulary that often made even difficult clues seem easy. 

Following the loss of her husband, Lois found companionship and a fulfilling new chapter with Cecil Fitch. Over their many years together, they enjoyed camping, fishing, casino outings, and the company of a wonderful new circle of friends and relatives who became an extended second family. These years brought new experiences, lasting friendships, and many happy memories. 

While often modest about her own accomplishments, she was never shy about sharing the latest news and photographs of her four grandchildren, whose varied pursuits and interests brought her tremendous pleasure. Throughout her journey in life, Lois found joy in creating, always learning, and selflessly sharing her time and talents with others. Nowhere was that more evident than in the beautiful quilts she so thoughtfully made and gave away - timeless treasures to be enjoyed for years to come. 

Lois will be lovingly remembered by her three children, Jeffery David Antion and his wife, Kimberly; Sherry Antion-Mohr and her husband, Keith; and Marci Antion. She is also survived by her four beloved grandchildren, Alex, Ryan, Rachel, and Kaitlyn; her brothers, Stephen James Hunter and his wife, Mae, and Jonathan Mark Hunter and his wife, Tammy; her sister, Carole Ruth Hunter Magoteaux and her husband, Ron; and her cherished feline companions, Pepe Le Mew and Purrsia. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation at William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery in Bridgeville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lois's memory to Washington County branch of Pet-Rescue (https://petsearchpa.org/) a no-kill shelter, or the Washington County City Mission (https://www.citymission.org). 

Arrangements have been entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., Washington.