Loretta May

Loretta May, 88, of Cleveland, slipped away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and quiet strength. Born on March 26, 1937, in Pikeville, Kentucky, to Darr and Dealie May, Loretta was the eleventh of thirteen children—a place in the family that shaped her generous heart, her patience, and her lifelong devotion to those she loved.

Loretta is survived by her two dear sisters, Estiline and Gaye, and reunited in heaven with her siblings Geneva, Jeanette, Glenn, Clayton, Cletus, Buford, Linton, and Barbara. Though she never had children of her own, she became something just as meaningful: a beloved, unforgettable aunt to dozens of nieces and nephews over multiple generations. To them, she was a constant source of warmth, laughter, and comfort—the kind of aunt who listened deeply, cared freely, and made each child feel like they held a special place in her heart.

Her joys were simple, but they were cherished with her whole soul. Loretta lit up at the sound of Elvis Presley’s voice, cheered faithfully for the Cleveland Guardians and Cavaliers, and devoted many autumn afternoons to Ohio State football. She found peace and creativity in sewing, stitching together not just fabric, but memories—gifts made by hand and given with love.

What made Loretta extraordinary was not just what she loved, but how she lived. She faced every obstacle with quiet courage, never allowing hardship to dim her spirit. Her smile, her kindness, and her unwavering positivity were gifts she gave freely, even in the hardest of times.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Riverside Cemetery, 3607 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, Ohio 44109.

Loretta’s presence will be profoundly missed, but the love she shared lives on—in the stories told, the laughter remembered, and the countless hearts she touched. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her gentle, joyful spirit now rests in peace.