Mrs. Loretta M. Strayer, 91, Leiters Ford, passed away at 11:40 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016, at Pulaski Health Care Center of Winamac.

On Feb. 3, 1925, Loretta Marie was born in Morehead, Ky., a cherished daughter of Fred and Florence Conn Fultz. Born at home and anxiously awaiting her arrival were her three older brothers and two sisters. Loretta shared her childhood as the seventh child in a family of twelve children. She began the foundation of a solid work ethic as a youngster helping with dishes, in the garden, making beds and canning. The canning was completed in the absence of running water and electricity. She established herself early on as an accomplished cook making the best biscuits and gravy over a wood burning stove.

A young woman, Loretta relocated to Northwest Indiana, moving in with some of her older sisters. This allowed her greater opportunity to find employment. Following the war Loretta met a handsome young man named Al at a square dance.

After nine months of courtship, Loretta Marie and Alfred James Strayer were married in Crown Point, on April 27, 1946. They shared 51 years of life’s adventures. From their union came four wonderful children. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three more generations.

Al and Loretta raised their family in a loving and God fearing home near Hammond. In 1983, after Al’s retirement they moved to Leiters Ford, on the banks of the Tippecanoe, where they enjoyed a wonderful life until Al’s passing in 1995.

Loretta was a member of the Leiters Ford United Methodist Church. She enjoyed her friends at the senior center. She volunteered many hours at Rochester’s Woodlawn Hospital.

Paramount in Grandma Loretta’s life was her family. As matriarch of the Strayer family, it was with great pride she oversaw five generations. She loved the holidays, special family celebrations and visits from everyone. She will be remembered for her delicious biscuits and gravy and her steaming hot homemade chicken and dumplings.

Left to cherish Loretta’s memory are her daughter: Darlene Mays, Rochester; two sons: Richard (Sue) Strayer, Decatur, Ill.; James (Patricia) Strayer, Demotte; six grandchildren: Douglas J. (Melissa) Strayer; Rebecca (Rob) Melton; Andrew Strayer; Sarah (Luke) Mikesell; Jacob Strayer; Adam Strayer; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; three sisters: Ruth Roberta Hause, Highland; Jeanette Edna Brown, Schereville; Opal Edna Jackson, Highland; and numerous nieces and nephews. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband: Al, Oct. 8, 1995; infant daughter: Donna Sue; grandson: Daniel Mays, March 2014; and son-in-law: Daniel “Danny” Mays, Dec. 22, 2013; four sisters: Louanna Hamilton; Reba Buikema; Delores Harr; Sarah Fultz at age 3; and four Fultz brothers: William; Kennis; Cliff; and Paul.

A celebration of the life of Loretta M. Strayer will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11, in the Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester with Pastor Martin Furrow officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Leiters Ford Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Cancer Association through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, Rochester.