Loretta Riffle

SPENCERVILLE -- Loretta Ann Riffle, 92, of Spencerville, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Burton's Ridge Assisted Living in Lima.

Loretta was born on October 28, 1932, in Spencerville, to the late Merle Henry and Evelyn Lucille (Carr) Bigelow. She grew up in the area and graduated from Spencerville High School in 1950. On November 3, 1951, she was united in marriage to the late William "Bill" Riffle. She worked as a telephone operator in Spencerville early in her life, then was a homemaker and mother while occasionally working part-time at a store in town. Once the kids were grown, she worked at the school in the cafeteria.

Loretta was a long-time member of Hartford Christian Church where she played piano for many years, volunteered for VBS, sang in the choir, and served wherever she was needed. Most recently she attended Monticello United Brethren Church in Christ. She volunteered at St. Rita's Medical Center in their auxiliary, visited sick and elderly in hospitals and nursing homes. Loretta was a people person and had a group of friends that enjoyed having lunch and shopping together. She loved to crochet, making blankets for all the grandkids; enjoyed any sport or activity her grandkids or great grandchildren were involved in. She had season tickets for the Spencerville Bearcats basketball team for many years, rarely missing a game. She loved to cook and bake, always taking food to someone because she couldn't "eat it all". She always enjoyed her trips to Texas to see her daughter and family.

Loretta is survived by her three children, Catherine Riffle (Tony) Sergio of Mansfield, TX, Douglas William (Cynthia) Riffle of Spencerville, and Lee Eric (Teresa) Riffle of Spencerville; eight grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Howard Riffle; an infant daughter; and one sister, Carol Prince.

There will be a visitation from 11:00-12:45 p.m. at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home on Thursday, October 16, 2025 followed by her graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Spencerville Cemetery with Pastor Andrew J. Atkins officiating. Memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.baylifffuneral.com. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Loretta and her family.

Family request donations be made to the Monticello United Brethren Church in Christ at 21057 SR-116, Spencerville, OH 45887.