Loretta Ann Smith

Loretta Ann Smith passed from this life on November 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 86. Loretta was born in Ava, Missouri on July 23, 1940, to Benjamin and Lena Herzel. Loretta graduated from Shawnee High School in 1958. Loretta retired from Rosebure, Bailey and Craig insurance after 37 years.  

Loretta is one of five siblings. Those that had the privilege of calling her sister are Wanda and Jim Burford, Duke and Mary Herzel, Mary and Jim Young, and Larry and Nancy Herzel. She was a sister-in-love to Carol and David Allison, Margaret Tucker, Wilma and Larry Reppert, Linda Nirchel, Gary and Dottie Smith, Fred and Paulette Smith, and Mike and Wanda Smith. She was lovingly called Aunt Loretta by 31 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. 

Loretta married the love of her life, Vaden, on June 2, 1962, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. 

Loretta is survived by daughter, Donna Smith of Shawnee, daughter, Darlene Smith of Perkins and daughter, Deanna and son-in-love Richard Clifton of Shawnee. Loretta's favorite title is being called Grandma and Ma by Amber and Bo Adkins, Aaron and Racheal Beams, and Jacklyn and Jaden Clifton. She was Great Grandma to Trigg Peck and Carson and Avery Beams.

Loretta was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Loretta was well known for her baking and Christmas candy. She was loved by all and will be forever missed. 

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Lena Herzel; mother and father-in-love Vernon and Willine Smith; siblings, Wanda and Jim Burford, Mary and Jim Young, David Allison, Larry Reppert, Margaret Tucker and Mike Smith; one son, Brian Robert after a short 12 hours of life and her loving husband, Vaden Smith. 

Thank you to Loving Care Hospice for their guidance and support in our difficult time. 

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Riley-Walker Funeral Service on Friday, November 6, 2026 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm with family present to greet friends from 5-7 pm. A funeral ceremony for Loretta will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Wesley United Methodist Church. Following the ceremony, she will be laid to rest next to her husband at Resthaven Memorial Park.