Loreta King

Obituary for Loreta King

Loreta M. King, 85, of Ballinger, our loving and precious mama and grandmother, passed peacefully, with grace and dignity, from this world into the arms of her beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, January 14, 2008 surrounded by her children at Sagecrest Alzheimer’s Care Center in San Angelo.

Loreta was born April 15, 1922 in Winters, Texas to Oliver and Susie (Branham) Green. She graduated from Winters High School in 1940 and attended business college in Abilene. On July 9, 1941 in Paint Rock she married Lloyd G. King, who preceded her in death October 19, 2007. They were married 66 years.

She was a homemaker for many years, during which time she was an active member of the Blanton Baptist Church. Later, she joined the Seventh Street Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and was a leader with the GA’s. Her love of God was shown through her compassion for others. She later showed this to so many she cared for, especially the newborn and elderly, that life led her to nursing. She was a caregiver for 20 years. She worked at Twilight Acres Nursing Home and for many years at Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

Loreta’s special joy was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed teaching them about the many hobbies she loved, which included arrowhead/rock hunting, her knowledge of the star constellations, photography, flowers, the different types of birds and butterflies, fishing, and traveling. She embraced her Cherokee heritage and loved all of God’s creatures.

Mrs. King is survived by two sons, Bob King and wife, Ann, of San Angelo, and David King of Ballinger; three daughters, Betty Rice and Jan Dahlberg both of Ballinger, and Shelia Nicholas and husband, Daymon, of Santa Anna; one brother, Walter Green of Abilene; sisters-in-law, Ora Green of Winters, Eva Green of San Antonio, and Lurene King Watts of Ballinger; brothers-in-law, Bill King of San Angelo, and Wayne King and wife, Elaine, of Ballinger. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and she also leaves behind her beloved dog and pal, Speck.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Ora Vialapando and Nelda Brittle; and brothers, Oliver Green, Jr. and Ed Green.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 16, at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 17, in the Lange Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor David Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Old Runnels Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Justin, David, and Don King, Bryan Ledbetter, Colter Dahlberg, and Eric Rice. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Rob Ledbetter, Shaydee Dahlberg, Rebecca King, Shawna Tomes, Jessica and LeeAnda Bennett.

Memorials may be made to Sagecrest Alzheimer’s Care Center in San Angelo, Seventh Street Baptist Church of Ballinger, or the Ballinger Animal Shelter.