Loretta Portenier

The daughter of Merlin Silas and Verna Brinkerhoff, Loretta was born on April 3, 1938 in Lovell, WY. She spent her childhood and young adult years in Worland, WY, which she always considered home. She kept in touch with "the gang" from Worland until her death.

She met and married Derald Portenier in 1957. They shared almost 60 years together until his death in 2016. They built a life and family together in Pueblo, settling in the county.

Loretta had a 30-year career at AT&T, but her second full time job was "the farm." She had a passion for gardening, having received the distinguished title of Certified Master Gardener from the CSU College of Agriculture/Extension.

She never met a plant she didn't know or could not grow. She called it "playing in the dirt," but friends and family revered and respected her depth of knowledge regarding horticulture.

She volunteered for many: the Girl Scouts, Library and most notably as a tax preparer for senior citizens.

She was an avid reader, loved movies and music - especially Elvis. In her later years, she played cards and games and was a competitive bingo player.

Loretta was surrounded by many friends, family members and was voted "Most Optimistic" at the retirement center in which she resided.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Derald, her son Jim and her daughter Pamela.

Loretta is survived by her daughters Pauli Portenier (Colorado Springs) and Marti Stepan (Spokane), as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Judy (Bruce) Kimzey, David (Lynn) Brinkerhoff and Irma Morris.

At Loretta's request, there will be no funeral service. To honor her: Get outside, plant a tree, appreciate the flowers and keep her spirit alive through wonderful memories.