Loretta F. Bachman, age 85, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 22, 2012, surrounded by her family at her residence in Elkhart. Loretta was born May 13, 1926 in Grandville, Michigan to the late Lynn and Orpha (Cochran) Smith. On October 3, 1942, she married Elmer Bachman in Elkhart, Indiana. They celebrated over 69 years of marriage.
Elmer survives, along with their children, Connie (James) Kegerreis of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Dianna Raeder of St. Helena Island, North Carolina, and John (Patty) Bachman of Elkhart, Indiana, as well as 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Also surviving are her siblings, Lynn Smith Jr. of Florida, Luella Lyals of Michigan, Doris Bachman of Elkhart, Nelda Schalliol of Florida and Ione Rothenheber of Pennsylvania. Loretta was preceded in death by her son-in-law Clifford Raeder, and her siblings Harry Weissert and Eileen Frein.
Friends may call from 4-6 pm Sunday, March 25, 2012 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, March 26, 2012 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Loretta helped the war effort during WWII as "Rosie the Riveter" while her husband served in the military. She was employed for many years with Elkhart Community Schools in the cafeteria, serving children''s lunches and training new employees. Loretta loved quilting, working in her flower garden, and helping at the Hospital as a "Pink Lady." She was also a longtime member of the St. John UCC in Elkhart.
In her memory, donations may be made to St. John UCC at the Atria, c/o George Adamson, 2328 Kenilworth Dr. Elkhart, Indiana 46514.