Loretta Farrell peacefully passed with family surrounding her on the 7th of April 2025 at the Jerseyville Community Hospital. She was born on June 10, 1938, in Fieldon, IL, the daughter of the late Earl Sr. and Alice (Kaufman) Richey of Medora, IL.
Loretta married John A. Farrell in St. Louis, they were married for 55 years until John’s death on the 26th of August 2015. Loretta and John had four children (spouses): Toni Farrell-Higgins (Jon), Daniel Farrell (Rebecca Benner), Michael Farrell (Joan) and Jenifer Farrell (David Scaffe – significant other).
Loretta was a floral designer, artist, homemaker, wife and mother. She was very creative, having an eye for painting, flower arranging, cake decorating and beautiful displays for holidays and special events. Her talents were generously shared with family and at the 12th Street Presbyterian Church where she was an elder.
She was a gifted cook whose food was delicious and celebrated by all who had the pleasure of an invitation. Her children, grandchildren, nieces and family friends enjoyed Loretta’s beautiful wedding cakes and flower arrangements for their weddings.
Loretta very much enjoyed working with the contractor who built the family’s Blue Ridge Road home and was especially proud of her active role and decisions that created her vision of the home’s timeless, contemporary design.
She was a keen observer of nature, especially flowers, butterflies and hummingbirds, which she enjoyed from the home’s sunroom.
Loretta was very proud of her children. Her active parenting role supported development of character and successes later in life. Loretta was known for keeping her kids “busy” with extracurricular activities, caring for the home and family garden, and learning to play music.
Most recently, as a resident of Hollybrook Assisted Care in Jerseyville, she participated in arts and crafts and helped staff to create displays and decorations for holiday celebrations. Caring staff at Hollybrook enjoyed her witty and gently sarcastic humor.
Lorretta will be missed for her artistry, pragmatic “know-how,” wisdom and humor.
She was proceeded in death by her sisters Esther Searles, Jo Ann Taylor, Dorris Elliot and grandchildren Shane Farrell and Shelby Farrell. She is survived by her sister Dorothy Loy (Jerseyville, IL), brother Earl Richey, Jr (Medora, IL), 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Cremation Rites were entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, Il. A private graveside service will be held at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey, IL.
Condolences can be left online at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com.
Memorials may be made to Loretta’s favorite charity, Ranken-Jordan Home for Convalescent Crippled Children, Loretta B. and John A. Farrell Connect with Nature Endowment at 314 872-6544.
