Loretta Rieb

1945 - 2023

Loretta Rieb

December 18, 1945 - December 14, 2023

Modesto, California - Loretta Katheryn Rieb was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Conrad and Emma Rieb on December 18, 1945. Loretta passed away peacefully at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, CA, on December 14, 2023, four days shy of her 78th birthday! She was a resident of Modesto, CA. Loretta was known for her expansive kindness, gentle demeanor, generosity, compassion, and her love of a good book. With her continuous smile and forgiving spirit, she formed many deep and special relationships.

She is survived by her siblings Kenneth Rieb (Manteca), Loren Rieb (Boise, ID), JoAnn Rieb (Modesto), Timothy Rieb (Modesto), and Roger Rieb (Modesto), as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents Conrad and Emma Rieb, three siblings, Leonard Rieb, Wayne Rieb, and Phillip Rieb, niece Tammy Rieb, nephew Michael Rieb, and great-niece Heather Prosser.

Loretta was a beautiful and amazing woman with a passion for helping others.

She began her career with FM Brack in the 1970's and then proceeded to work for Freese & Gianelli, an insurance adjusting firm in Modesto, composed of partners L.F. "Bud" Gianelli, Ray Simon and Bob Stevens. She worked with Bud Gianelli when he became a probate referee and eventually a successful attorney.

She was a loving daughter, sister, auntie, friend, and caregiver, who will be deeply missed! Giving so much of herself to help her friends, family, and siblings. After her mother passed away on April 22, 2012, Loretta became a caregiver to her younger brother Tim, who has down syndrome.

Loretta was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Modesto, CA. She found joy in her hobbies, which included reading, gardening, tending to her many orchids, cooking, and baking for family and friends during the holidays.

Loretta worked for Gianelli, Friedman & Jeffries for 50+ years as a paralegal in various areas of the law. Her many years of service in the community and leadership to the Stanislaus County Legal Professional Association made her admired and respected throughout California.

She was past President of the Stanislaus County Legal Secretaries Association (SCLSA now SCLPA) in 1979-1980 and again from 1992 through 1994. She held various chairmanships for SCLPA for many years and was one of the first members to attain the designation of Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) after a two day test. At the time of her death, she served as Parliamentarian, Legal Professional Training Chair, and Legal Procedures Chair of SCLPA. Loretta was also very active at the state level then known as Legal Secretaries, Inc. (LSI) now Legal Professionals, Inc. (LPI). In 1985, Loretta was a member of the Continuing Education Council. She served as the Law Office Procedure Manual (LOPM) Editor for LSI from 1986-1987 as well as from 1995-2000 and was the Publications Revision Committee (PRC) Editor-In-Chief in 2001. It's an honor to be appointed to a state position and not to be taken lightly as it is a huge commitment – working arduous hours, nights, and weekends. Loretta did it all and did it well. Education was important to Loretta and the members of SCLPA always turned to her for guidance and wisdom. Loretta was a great asset to both SCLPA and LPI. Members of SCLPA describe Loretta as the kindest person who always put others first. Her professional achievements spoke volumes, but her human kindness spoke even louder. She will be missed.

A funeral service will be held on December 22, 2023, at 10:00 am at Franklin & Downs, McHenry Chapel, followed by a private burial at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson, CA.

Contributions may be made to the Stanislaus Community Foundation, Alexander Cohen Hospice House, Hughson, CA.