Loretta Jean Nelson

She was preceded in death by her husband Walter in 2008. They were married for 60 years and raised their children on their farm outside of Lancaster. Also preceded in death were Loretta’s parents, Gladys and Lucian Landis, of Baltimore, sister, Mary Clark, and brothers, Albert (Buck), Bill and John Landis.

She is survived by her son Aaron (Mindy) Nelson, grandchildren, Alexis and Miranda Nelson (Robert Adams) and his son, Aiden Adams. Daughter, Cathy (Rick) Benca, grandchildren, Tyler and Brian (Tiffany) Benca. Also survived are many nieces and nephews and many unrelated friends.

We were so lucky to have this precious lady in our lives for as long as we did. She embraced the words “Be humble and kind” and that she was. Loretta never met a stranger and always saw and voiced the good in everyone. She was a nature lover and would feed all of the strays and critters. She was especially fond of dogs and often told cute stories of the family pets. She was an advocate for Olivedale Senior Citizens and Meals on Wheels. Loretta was a big reader and often enjoying reading into the early morning hours. She had a great sense of humor and could often be heard bellowing out a hard laugh. She had a lifetime collection of stories to share.

Mom had a deep love of Bluegrass music. She followed the Doug Fox and The Cedar Hill Bluegrass Boys Band for many years and even up until just before her death. She speaks fondly of all the band members and remembers some of them as small children. Mom has expressed that she will miss many, many friends she’s come to know from the bluegrass crowd. Loretta worked in the kitchen for Fairfield Union Schools while she was raising her children. She later went to work for Premix Inc. in 1975 and retired in 1992 to work on the farm with Walter, the love of her life.

Special thanks to Dr. Mark Aebi and MA Heather, Dan with Meals on Wheels, Jeff Green Lawn Service, Kim Shull, housekeeper, Penny Duffy with Bremen Bank, and Chelsea, RN with FairHoPe Hospice.

Visitation will take place on Monday, June 30, 2025 from 5PM-8PM at the HALTEMAN-FETT & DYER FUNERAL HOME. Loretta requests a PRIVATE BURIAL SERVICE at a later date.