Loretta Jenkins

Loretta Dorothy Jenkins passed away in Ripon, WI, with family by her side, November 11, 2022 at the age of 88.  Loretta was born June 25, 1934 in Richardton, ND, to Rose and Edward Hochhalter.   She was the middle child of three siblings.

She met her husband Walter in Missoula, MT and they were married January 31, 1959.  Loretta and Walter moved to New York City, where Walter began his career as a financial manager on Wall St.  After they started a family they moved to Oakland, NJ and then to Montpelier, VT.  In 1976 they moved to Libertyville, IL until 2013 when they moved to Madison, WI to be closer to family. Loretta moved to Ripon, WI in 2019, after Walter’s passing, to be closer to her daughter Alicia.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Edward Hochhalter, her sister Elizabeth Waller, her brother Edward Hochhalter and by her husband of almost sixty years, Walter Jenkins.

Loretta is survived by her sons, Greg, John and Michael and by her daughter Alicia.

Loretta was a devoted mother and a proud grandmother to her seven grandchildren.  She was an adventurous soul who loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed traveling.  She grew up on a farm and was known to love all the animals as if they were her pets.  But she was most often remembered  for her ability to always bring a smile to those around her.  In everything she did, Loretta paid attention to the individuals around her and always found a way to make their day a little brighter.  She loved to play the organ, sing and even yodel.

While her children were in school, she worked part time at Lord and Taylor and then as a waitress at Marshall Field’s saving up her tip money to treat her children.

Loretta and Walter were active members of the United Methodist Church of Libertyville for many years.  Loretta eventually became a Stephen Minister and volunteered providing counseling services in Waukegan.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 16 at the United Methodist Church of Libertyville, 429 Brainerd Ave., Libertyville, IL,  with visitation from 11:30am until the time of service at 12:30pm.  Loretta will be laid to rest beside her husband at Lakeside Cemetery in Libertyville.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to:  Stephen Ministries, C/O of the United Methodist Church,  429 Brainerd Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

Speedway

608-238-3434