Andrea Lee Lorton of Brookfield, Missouri, departed this life with her family by her side on August 31, 2022, at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence, Missouri, after a brief lung-related illness. Devoted sister, mother, and champion of all creatures, great and small, she will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched.

She was born on August 20, 1945, to John and Vernadine Nelson in Keokuk, IA, and known as Andy by her friends, Ann, to her sisters. She was accepted to the prestigious Kansas City Art Institute after high school graduation. Her artistic talents ranged over all media types, but she was known best for her outstanding mastery of watercolor portraiture and landscapes.

She married and gave birth to two daughters, Wendi Gephart (of Seattle, WA) and Rebecca Gephart (of Tucson, AZ.) After moving to Laramie, WY, with her second husband, George Lorton, Sr, who preceded her in death, sons George Jr. and Jeffrey Lorton (both of Brookfield, MO) were born. A new career as the executive secretarial assistant for Coburn Instruments began after attending Casper College in Casper, WY. Later in life, a passion for computer programming sparked, and Andrea obtained an Associate's Degree, traveling as a freelance programmer in the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest.

She was a lifelong avid reader of science fiction, historical drama, and fantasy. She spent her retirement years pursuing these passions in all formats, including becoming a master world-building gamer. She cherished all animals and helped protect their rights for no-kill shelters such as PAW in Fort Madison, IA.

Andrea was predeceased by her parents, John and Vernadine, her husband George Lorton Sr., her brothers-in-law, Ron Wabel and Roger Hays, her grandson Zayne Lorton, and her niece Lori Ann Wabel.
Andrea is survived by sisters Marsha Ann Wabel and Nancy Jean Hays of Fort Madison, IA, as well as her four children, five granddaughters, two grandsons, five great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family requests donations to the Humane Society are made in place of flowers. A final celebration of life will be held at a future date, arrangements still pending.

Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Lorton family and an online guest book may be found at www.barrmemorialchapel.com.