Loretta Mae Zink Raikes

Loretta was born in Eskridge, Kansas, to Homer and Armana Zink, on Aug. 13, 1932. Loretta had one brother, Douglas Zink. The family lived in Emporia and Clifton, Kansas, prior to moving to Anderson, Indiana in 1941. Their final move was to Indianapolis, Indiana.

Loretta graduated from Broad Ripple High School in the spring of 1950. She married Paul Raikes in Sutherland Presybeterian Church in Indianapolis on Sept. 10, 1950 where they had met at a Young People’s meeting in the spring of 1948. They had one daughter, Roxanne.

Loretta worked in the City of Indianapolis’ legal department in 1965. In 1967 she was a caseworker in the office of U.S Rep. Andy Jacobs Jr. In 1975 she became the District Office Manager for Jacobs’ 11th District Congressional Office. She remained in that position until Jacobs’ retirement in January 1997. She later worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper for Landman and Beatty Lawyers and retired in 2007.

She spent many years as a democratic precinct committeeman. She loved poetry, book club, bird watching, and being outside. She spent many Sundays with her grandchildren, who lovingly called her Nanny. She enjoyed having meals with her friends and family. She loved volunteering at Holliday Park. Loretta was generous, protective and loving to her family and friends. She will be truly missed.

Loretta is survived by her husband, Paul; daughter, Roxanne (Michael) Peloza; two grandchildren, Brian (Rebecca) Peloza and Stacie (David) Zech; four great-grandchildren, Sophie Zech, Jacob Zech, Andrew Zech and Claire Peloza; sister-in-law, Dee Zink; and two nieces, Jennifer Zink and Julie Zink. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents and brother.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 9 at Crown Hill Cemetery in the Memorial Room. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. prior to the ceremony. We require that you please wear masks to protect Loretta’s great-grandchildren that are too young to be vaccinated.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Loretta’s honor. Some of Loretta’s favorite charities included UNICEF, Holliday Park Foundation - Friends of the Park, The Salvation Army, and The Audubon Society.