Loretta A. Caruthers, 64, of Keokuk, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021, at Fort Madison Community Hospital in Fort Madison, Iowa, due to complications of Covid-19 pneumonia.
Loretta is survived by her husband Michael Caruthers of Keokuk; her son Jason Caruthers of Wayland, Missouri; her daughter Jamie (David) Wells of Keokuk; her mother Better Lentz of Pikeville, Tennessee; her sister Lydia McDaniel of Pikeville, Tennesse; her brother Larry Bice of Pikeville, Tennessee; her stepbrother David (Lani) Lentz of Bradley, Illinois; three granddaughters: Angela Graves, Rebecca Caruthers and Emily Caruthers, all of Keokuk; and her great-granddaughter Chaelynn Caruthers of Keokuk. She also had the blessing of having many step-grandchildren from her daughter Jamie that she would want to be included. Other survivors include numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Loretta is preceded in death by her father Lonas Bice, stepfather John Lentz, paternal and maternal grandparents and great-grandparents, several aunts, uncles and cousins, and five grandchildren due to miscarriage/stillborn.
Loretta was born to Betty and Lonas Bice on July 7, 1956. She later met and was united in marriage to Michael Caruthers on April 24, 1974. Loretta and Michael had been married for forty-seven years and treasured each other very much. Loretta loved spending time with her family as much as possible and treasured every moment that she spent with them all. She loved coloring, sewing, and working on her word search puzzles when her children and grandchildren weren’t around. She loved watching television with her husband and spent special times together arguing at the TV with him.
Loretta also worked many years as a daycare provider with her mother Betty until her mother retired and moved south. Previously she had worked at We Care Kids Daycare for many. She loved being around children, taking care of them and helping others out.
At this time, no public services will be held.
Memorials may be directed to the family for expenses in care of Michael Caruthers.
Tributes and condolences may be left at dejongsfuneralhome.com.
DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
