Loretta Maxine Little

Loretta Maxine Little, age 84, peacefully passed away on March 25, 2024, at Altercare of Bucyrus, Ohio, after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on December 5, 1939, in Galion, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Walter Wilford and Mildred Maxine McPeek. She was preceded in death by her siblings, John McPeek and Roberta McPeek.

In 1974, Loretta exchanged vows with Harold Wayne Little in Wise, Virginia, sharing 26 years of marriage until his death in 2000. She is survived by her three children: Jody Kleffman of Mansfield, Ohio; Jo Bartholomew and Jeff Ulmer of Galion, Ohio. Her legacy extends to her three beloved grandchildren: Jason Kleffman of Mansfield, Ohio; Natalie Kleffman (Greg) Crabtree of Ontario, Ohio; Alissa Bartholomew of Galion, Ohio, and her three great-grandchildren: Sabrinna Crabtree of Canton, Ohio; Hailey and Marcus Crabtree of Ontario, Ohio. She is also fondly remembered by her niece, Mindy McPeek (Brian) Michaelsen of Chuckey, Tennessee.

Loretta graduated from Iberia Schools in 1957 Iberia Ohio. Loretta dedicated 35 years of her life to the City of Galion’s Auditor’s Office as a clerk before retiring in 2005. She loved cooking, especially her famous homemade cheesecakes. She was an animal lover of all animals; she embraced all creatures with open arms and compassion.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Loretta’s compassionate caregivers at Altercare. So many of you went above and beyond, she loved each and every one of you, Katie from Gentiva Hospice and her favorite maintenance man Jacob. She was affectionately known to them as Loretta Lou.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no calling hours. Loretta will be laid to rest alongside her husband and other family members at Rivercliff Union Cemetery in Mt. Gilead, Ohio Monday April 1st, 2024. Edwards Funeral Service of Marion, Ohio will be handling her burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to any Alzheimer’s Chapter or the Crawford County Humane Society in Bucyrus, Ohio. Loretta will be deeply missed by her loving family, especially her three children, who she affectionately knew as Dody, Doe, and Deff, reflecting the endearing nicknames she cherished.