Loretta F. Hurles

Loretta Faye (Lower) Hurles passed away on the morning of Monday, October 15, 2018. Cherished and chosen, she peacefully went to be with Jesus on that day with a joyful heart, a forgiven life, and a loving spirit.



Loretta was born on September 21, 1948 to the late Robert E. Lower and Lillian L. (Moore) Lower in Jeffersonville, Ohio. Loretta is survived by her husband Rich; her two sons, Todd (Shelley) and Michael (Shauna); six grandchildren, Kenley, Jacob, Molly, Kalyn, Claire, and William; three brothers, Bob (Sue) Lower, Dale Lower, John (Sue) Lower; and a brother-in-law, Don Bobbitt. She was preceded in death by a sister, Lena Bobbitt.



Beloved by her husband Richard of 45 years, Loretta enjoyed spending time together in the camper and with their canine sidekick, Reggie, meeting family for celebrations and dinner, having game night with her kids, and cheering on Peyton Manning during Sunday afternoon football. By Richard’s side, Loretta spent much of her life as a pastor’s wife, including the last 21 years at LifePoint Community Church in Plymouth, where she was an integral part of their local outreach, ministry, and worship.



Beloved by her sons Todd and Michael, Loretta was devoted to being a mother and grandma. Bursting at the seams with pride, she taught them everything from the Old Testament stories to the rhythm of pitch and catch in baseball and yet, all the while, shared her love for musical theater and memorized every song in the hymnal. Loretta especially loved Christmas when she gave amazing gifts, especially to her grandchildren. Whether Kalyn was running cross country, Claire was playing on the soccer field, or Will was traveling with his baseball team, Loretta adored spending time with them, watching them perform, and sharing their accomplishments. The proud grandmother also treasured her oldest grandkids, Kenley (Downing) Soltys, who teaches in Detroit and was recently married to Dan Soltys, Jacob Downing, who currently serves in the Navy stationed in Florida, and Molly Downing who advocates for children in Kentucky. Loretta encouraged Michael and Shauna’s passions as well in supporting their careers in education and coaching at Wynford High School and Tiffin University, supporting Michael’s ministry with Young Life in Crawford County and watching their favorite movies together.



Beloved by her LifePoint Community Church family, Loretta was the distinctive voice in the praise team, the helping hand in the kitchen, and the kind word in the sanctuary. While the ways she participated within the family of God in Plymouth are countless, the lives she touched felt the love of Christ Jesus and the people who saw her knew what Jesus’ love can do by serving others and living out the fruit of the spirit. She will especially be missed by her weekly small group with whom she had cherished friendships and memories.



Beloved by her Wynford School family, Loretta had the most beautiful voice to ever leave a message and the loveliest signature that ever signed a piece of paper or greeting card in the school board office. As the superintendent’s administrative assistant, she humbly served the community and the district. Although she served in other capacities there, the last 21 were spent at the hub of Wynford by being the friendly, dimpled face who made it her pleasure to treat visitors as honored guests and employees as dear friends. Every corner of the district had an opportunity to have a positive interaction with Loretta- including board office employees and members, parents, secretaries, cafeteria workers, teachers, administrators, custodians, students, and especially bus drivers, with whom she shared a special bond- and she showed them all how Jesus loves.



The Hurles family will receive friends Thursday, October 18 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus from 1-3 and 5-8 pm. Additional calling hours will be held Friday at the Bucyrus Nazarene Church from 3:30-4:50, where the service will begin at 5:00 pm with Pastor Ray LaSalle and Pastor Ron Reese officiating. A meal to follow. A private burial will be held in Milledgeville Plymouth Cemetery.



Loretta always tried to put other first, so, rather than giving her flowers, she would want gifts made payable to LifePoint Community Church, Young Life, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital so that others can benefit from kindness. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and friends are encouraged to share stories and photos on her Tribute Wall.