Mary Loretta Saul

Loretta was born on August 2, 1932 in Fancy Farm, Kentucky. She graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy in East St. Louis, IL. Her alma mater always held a special place of pride in her heart. She met the love of her life, her husband William Glenn Saul, at a school bonfire and they wed in 1951. She was a loving wife, mother to three children, grandmother to five, and great-grandmother to six. She and her devoted husband Bill shared 65 wonderful years together before his passing in 2016.

Loretta was also preceded in death by her father, Joseph Aubrey Willett and mother, Frances Alberta Willett nee Hobbs, her brothers Joe, Edward, and Kenneth, her son Bill, and her dear friend Therese Pierce. She is survived by her daughters Vicki (Mike) Nichols of Collinsville, IL and Julie (Bill) Roberts of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren Lori (Sean Smith) Nichols, Amy (Eric) Tatum, Lindsey (Frank Leffler) Nichols, Rebecca Peña, and Ricky Peña; and great-grandchildren Sydney & Shannon Smith, Avery & Isla Tatum, Jaxtyn & Jayda Peña; sister Janet Werkmeister of Fairview Heights, IL; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear lifelong friend Lee Pierce.

Loretta was a homemaker and received a certificate from the School of Dental Assisting in O’Fallon IL in 1980. She was a member of Trinity Church (previously St. Albert’s) in Fairview Heights and sustained a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Teresa. She traveled widely with her husband Bill and was an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball. She enjoyed countless hours of family time, quiet reflection, and bird watching on her screened patio. Hummingbirds will remain a sweet remembrance of Loretta to those that knew and loved her. She was known for thoughtful gift-giving and her personal inscriptions. Loretta’s impressive collection of family photos will be cherished for generations to come.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 17th, at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL, at 10 a.m. – 12 noon with a prayer service immediately following. Should friends desire, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans and will be accepted by the funeral home.