Obituary of Loretta M. Lounsbury
Loretta Marion Lounsbury (Reddy) passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024, she was 91.
Born January 31, 1933 in the Town of Conesville, to the late Nelson & Marion Buel. Loretta was born in a farmhouse without electricity. She didn't feel deprived because of it. They were a hard-working family, but they also enjoyed life. It was a very close-knit society on the mountain. When she turned 16 her father gave her a horse for a present. They were inseparable. One day while out gathering the cows she and the horse were struck by lightning. Loretta was knocked unconscious, but the horse stayed upright. He finished bringing in the cows and then went to the house with Loretta slumped in the saddle. The doctor said that probably saved her life.
A graduate of Gilboa Highschool, she later went on to work as an Administrative Assistant for Stiefel Research Institute. Loretta loved her job. She started with Stiefel's when the company was just beginning and only left to take care of Don after he suffered a heart attack. At that time, she had risen to the position of administrative assistant to the director of SRI. She met Donald Lounsbury at Dean's mill, where he worked, one day, went on a date with him and three months later they were married. It ended almost 60 years later when Don died. She spent the next 13 years missing him terribly.
Loretta was active in the Oak Hill Methodist church and later in the First Reformed Church of Berne. Loretta loved to grow flowers. She had them everywhere around the property. She was an avid reader as well and would often have multiple books going at the same time. She also loved to play cards and dominoes. Loretta loved Oak Hill. She often said it was such a pretty little village back then and so friendly. She was active in many of the organizations in the village back then.
Besides her parents she was predeceased by Donald Lounsbury (husband) Robert Buel (brother), Helen Germond (sister), Margaret Buel (sister), Don Buel (brother), Ivan Buel (half-brother), Irene Brown (half-sister).
She is survived by son Guy E Lounsbury, Jessica Lounsbury (granddaughter), Jacob Lounsbury (grandson).
Loretta was a devoted mother. I couldn't have asked for a better one. She did everything she could for me.
Loretta often said she lived in the best of times. They didn't have much money, but they didn't need much to be happy. She was always surrounded by friends and family, and she appreciated that. I think, other than maybe my father living longer, her life was everything she wanted it to be. When she died, I don't think she had any regrets at all. It was a life well lived.
Calling Hours will be held on Sunday April 21,2024 from 12 to 2 pm at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. Interment will take place on Monday April 22,2024 at 11am at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Rev. Bob Hoffman officiating.
Condolences may be left at www.ajcunninghamfh.com