Loretta Anne Oliver

Loretta Anne Oliver, born on October 1st, 1937, peacefully passed away on March 5th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and cherished memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Loretta was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Charles “Chuck” and Scott “Scotty” Oliver; her brother, William “Bill” Martin; and her parents, William and Beatrice Martin. Her passing has left a profound void in the lives of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her warmth and kindness.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Charles “Charlie” Oliver, with whom she shared a lifetime of unwavering love and companionship. Loretta’s commitment to both her family and her profession as a dedicated sixth-grade schoolteacher for 40 years inspired and shaped the lives of countless children. Her passion for education and her genuine care for her students, whom she fondly referred to as “the kids” and “the kids, kids,” will be remembered by all who had the privilege to be in her class.

Loretta was a lover of life, with a zest for adventure. She enjoyed visiting Branson, Missouri, for its celebrity shows, often encouraging Charlie to attend performances by artists like Cher, Conway Twitty, and Willie Nelson. She truly loved the thrill of the moment, often saying, “Let’s go!” and setting off on yet another memorable trip. Loretta also greatly enjoyed when Charlie would pick them up meals from one of their favorite local restaurants, Virginia's Place.

She was also an avid fan of horse racing, particularly at Remington Park, where she would happily pretend to bet on races—always picking the gray horses or the prettiest ones. Charles and Loretta celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the races, where a special race was named in their honor: the “Loretta and Charlie Oliver Happy 50th Anniversary Purse.” It was a touching tribute to their love and Loretta, ever the horse enthusiast, even picked the winner of the race that day.

Above all, Loretta will be remembered for her love of teaching, her warmth, her playful spirit, and her deep love for her family. She never stopped caring for others, even after retiring. As she once told Charles, what she missed most after retirement was “the kids.”

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Elara Hospice for their compassionate care, as well as to her nephew, Matt Martin, for his unwavering support during this time.

A funeral service for Loretta will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, March 10th, 2025, at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Loretta’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Loretta’s legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, her enduring love for her family, and the joy she brought to the world. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.