Loretta J Alexander

She was born on May 13, 1939, in Peoria, Illinois, and was a graduate of Woodruff High School. On March 23, 1957, she married the love of her life, Wayne A. Alexander, at First Christian Church in Peoria. Together, they shared 68 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in November 2025.

Loretta devoted her life to her family as a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. She was deeply involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, volunteering for many years at Central Grade School in Washington, Illinois, from the 1970s through the early 1990s. She also served her community as an election judge at the Grange Hall in Washington and worked as a seasonal postal package sorter in Peoria during the busy holiday seasons.

In the 1980s, Loretta discovered a passion for health and fitness, becoming one of the first to teach aerobics and exercise classes at the local YWCA and community college—something she truly enjoyed and took great pride in.

Following Wayne’s retirement, the couple relocated to Deltona, Florida, in 1995 to enjoy the warmth of the Sunshine State. There, Loretta continued her passion for working with others, especially children. She served as a campus advisor and substitute teacher at Galaxy Middle School in Deltona, where she was lovingly known as “Grammy” by the students. After more than 14 years of dedicated service, she retired in 2013.

Loretta’s early years helping in her parents’ restaurant nurtured her lifelong love of cooking and baking. The holidays, especially Christmas, were made special through her traditional cookies and her famous divinity fudge, which she lovingly shared with family and friends.

She had a deep love for animals and, over the years, cared for many beloved cats and dogs. Her compassion extended beyond her own home, as she actively led efforts to collect food and supplies for local animal shelters in Florida.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne A. Alexander; her father, Frank Ruppert; her mother, Lucille Ulven; her sister, Illeana Erickson; her son, Ricky Alexander; and her daughter-in-law, Cathy Alexander.

She is survived by her loving children: Christy (Jeff) Burns, Kerry (Shawn) McCrudden, and Randy Alexander; her eight grandchildren: Michael, Eric, Nick, Michelle, Andrea, Andy, Adam, and Angela; eleven great-grandchildren; and her niece, Ramona Gordon.

A small Celebration of Life and inurnment will be held at Deltona Memorial Gardens, 1295 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, Florida 32763, on May 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.