PEORIA, Ariz. — Lois E. Gavan Hortel, 77, of Peoria, formerly of Ironton, died Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010, at her home in Peoria, with family by her side.

At her request, no service will be held at this time. A memorial may be held in Hawaii sometime in the spring.

She was born April 9, 1933, in Ironton and was married to Tom L. Hortel also of Ironton. She is survived by her husband. their five children, Richard, Kevin, Dennis, Mark and, Marta; daughter-in-law Kelly; and two grandchildren, Zachary and Kirk. Lois has one surviving sister, Joetta Waller of Coal Grove.

Mrs. Hortel spent more than 35 years as an Air Force wife to Tom and traveled the world with his career. She made a career for herself working as a civil servant for the federal government. She and her husband spent the majority of their retirement in Honolulu, where they enjoyed many winters there together. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.