LaNan Long Loretz

LaNan Long Loretz aged 88, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on April 26, 2025 surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy rooted in love, resilience, and hard work.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard. They were high school sweethearts while attending Des Arc High School and were married when she was just 17. They built a life centered around family, farm, and shared values. Together, while maintaining regular jobs, they raised cattle, farmed and nurtured a household full of love and laughter. She often said she “raised two families,” because her two children were 9 years apart.

She was well known in the community through her work as manager of Fred’s discount store in Lonoke.

A woman of many talents, she loved gardening, raising chickens, gathering eggs, and making home-cooked meals from scratch. She found joy in the simple, beautiful rhythms of life, and she generously shared that joy with everyone around her.

She was a dedicated mother to Ricky Loretz (Janie) and Tomilea Baldwin (Ford) and a loving grandmother to Brady Loretz (Rachel), Gene Loretz, Joseph Dillon (Emily) and Treva Billyard (Tanner). She was dearly loved by her great-grandchildren Joanna Loretz, Avery Loretz, Hannah Fern Dillon and Sara Dillon who brought her great joy in her later years.

In recent years, Troy Dillon became her primary caregiver, especially during the last two years of her life. Emily Dillon assisted Troy in LaNan’s final months. Their daily presence and devotion meant the world to her and to the entire family, who felt deeply blessed to have them there for her. The family also greatly thanks the Hospice caretakers, Hannah and Christy, for their unwavering support and dedication.

Her spirit will be remembered in the blooming of a flower, the warmth of a family meal, and the strength of the family she so lovingly raised.

A private family only graveside service will be held 10:00am on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Lonoke AR to honor her life and the many ways she touched the hearts of those who knew her.