Loretta M. Hittle, age 91 - a former longtime Elwood resident, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Miller's Merry Manor in Chesterfield following an extended illness. She was born on August 27, 1922 in Elwood, the daughter of Homer and Edith (Cleveland) Skirvin. She was a devoted Christian and member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Anderson. She was also formerly a member of the Alexandria First Church of the Nazarene and Elwood Central Wesleyan Church. She and her first husband served several years as Missionary's in Africa and later pastored several churches in Indiana. Later, she was a custodian for the Elwood School System for 8 years. Loretta was an excellent cook and well-known for making homemade yeast rolls on many occasions. She also loved raising roses, and her yard was full of rose bushes. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family.

Loretta's family includes daughter, Kay (husband Larry) Goins of Elwood; son, Tim Hinds of Connersville; step-son, James Robert Hittle of Elwood; sister, Sharon Smay of Windfall; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; 1st husband, Rev. Leonard Hinds in 1972; 2nd husband, Ora "Gene" Hittle in 2010; brother, Gene Skirvin; sister, Martha Chinn, daughter-in-law, Donna Hinds; and great-grandchild, Isabella Goins.

A funeral service celebrating Loretta's life will be conducted at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at the First Church of Nazarene, 2324 Jackson Street, Anderson, IN 46016, with Rev. Gary Cable and Rev. Paul Gilmore officiating. Burial will take place later that afternoon at 2:00 PM in the Elwood City Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood, and one hour prior to the funeral on Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene in Anderson. Online condolences may be made at copherfeslermay.com.