Loretta J. Elkins, 70, of Sissonville died March 11, 2010, at her home, with her loved ones by her side, and went on to join her husband, Chris, who waits for her.
Loretta was born on June 1, 1939, on Horse Creek, Morrisvale, Boone County, and was the youngest child of Tom and Vinnie Linville. As one of 12 children, life was sometimes a struggle, but never boring. Loretta met her husband, Chris Elkins, after being introduced by her sister, Dessie Elkins, and Chris's brother, Edgar Elkins, who were already married. A courtship ensued and Loretta and Chris married on Loretta's birthday, June 1, in the front yard at the home of sister and brother-in-law, Romaleta "Scrappie" and Leland "Pig" Estep.
Once you met Loretta, or "Mo", as granddaughter, Savanna, called her from an early age, you never forgot her. She was a loving, caring woman who loved people, but was never afraid to speak her mind. She loved the shopping channel, QVC, and was jokingly referred to by the family at the QVC Queen! Loretta was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to us all. She will be missed more than we can express in words.
Loretta was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Chris E. Elkins; parents, Tom and Vinnie Linville; sisters, Georgia Adkins, Dolly Hicks, Dessie Elkins and Macel Walls; and brothers, Dennis Linville and Junior Linville.
Loretta is survived by a son, Jeff Elkins of Charlotte, N.C.; daughter, Lisa Elkins Painter and husband, Clinton Painter, of Sissonville; granddaughter, Savanna Ellen Painter of Sissonville; and brother, Bill Linville of Sissonville, who all helped care for her in the final days; sister, Romaleta "Scrappie" Estep of Morrisvale; brothers, Rexel "Gay" Linville and Jerry Linville of Madison, and Dennis "Corky" Linville of North Carolina; and many niece and nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and neighbors.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Arvind Shah and his staff for 19 years of excellent care and support of Loretta, the HospiceCare team who provided our family tremendous support, especially RN Deanna Berry and CNA Melinda Boggess, who treated us like their own family in there care of Mom. Another thank you goes to longtime neighbors, Larry Shamblin and Bob and Brenda Hackney, who kept an eye out for Mom, both before she got sick and after, as well as the countless folks who either sent a card or food, called or offered their help or support to us. We love you all and will never forget your kindness and compassion.
Lastly, a special thank you goes to Julie Keeton, who came to us as a stranger, hired to help care for our mother, but became part of our family so quickly. Mom truly grew to love Julie, whom Loretta referred to as "my little angel." Having Julie care for Mom during these past few months was a blessing and the family is eternally grateful.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 15, at Long & Fisher Funeral Home, Sissonville, with the Rev. Al Mendez and Paul Mendez officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Garden of Memories.
At Loretta's request, pallbearers will be her son Jeff's longtime friends: Jonathan Hay, Tim Britton, Jeff Mosteller, Paul Mendez, Kevin Harmon and Matt Woosley.
Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.longfisherfuneralhome.com.