Loretta Nadine Cranford

Loretta Cranford born December 8, 1940 departed this life finding eternal peace and a beautiful place to live with our Lord and Savior on November 8, 2020. At the age of 79.
Loretta, the daughter of B. C. and Lorraine Doke, of Pritchett Colorado; was born in Lamar Colorado. Growing up as a Methodist and graduating from Pritchett High School in 1958. Moving on to attend Colorado Women's College in Greely Colorado, and year's later Adams State College in Alamosa Colorado earning a degree in Education.
In 1961, Loretta was united in marriage to Richard Cranford in Springfield Colorado. To this union two children were born: a son Richard, and daughter Carrie. The union was then dissolved in 1976, both remained devoted to the children.
In 1976 Loretta relocated to Springfield Colorado with her two children. Loretta jumped into Education, Starting a teaching career in Springfield, Vilas and moving to the Lamar School System in 1982. She continued her education for many years to earn a PhD. Loretta was a passionate Teacher for many years in Lamar Co. She loved her students dearly and maintained lifelong relationships with many. In 1998 she retired due to health issues. In 2000, with the graces of God, good doctors and family support she was able to make a remarkable recovery, enabling her to live a very independent life. She enjoyed her grandchildren, family and friends for many years.
November 13, 2013, Loretta was in a terrible accident leaving her with multiple injuries, changing her quality of life indefinitely. She fought a courageous 7 year 11 month battle for life.
Certainly, we all knew her to be a remarkable and selfless woman guided by her faith and unconditional love for family. The obstacles she overcame while earning each milestone in her career defined her strong will to succeed. The path she blazed is a source of family pride. She achieved these accomplishments while raising two children. When she wasn't working, her first love was spending time with family. She was also a voracious reader and was never without a book or three waiting their turns to be read. Embracing a circle of friends and neighbors whom she considered the family she chose, and enjoyed nothing better than entertaining them in her home. She loved her Bible; she read it many times and was able to quote scriptures for every life's challenge. She knew it was Truth, and it gave her answers, strength and wisdom throughout all the years that she passed on to us all. For her children and grandchildren; she leaves a powerful legacy, from a life full of love and an unwavering commitment to the causes to which she devoted her formidable energy, talents, courage wisdom, and hysterical catch phrases that will live on in our memories.
Loretta was preceded in death by her Mother Lorraine and Father Carl Doke. Loretta leaves behind two children, Richard Cranford and wife Tammy, Edmond OK, Carrie Sadler and husband Del, Cary Ohio. Two brothers Ben Doke, Cheyenne WY, Walter Doke and wife Kathy, Pritchett CO.
Seven Grandchildren; Ashley Williams and husband Tanner, Stillwater OK, Matthew Cranford and fiancé Samantha, Kansas City MO, Taylor Smith, Amarillo TX, Trace Woods, Fritch TX, Tylan Woods, Fritch TX Tiffany Fowler and husband Chad, Bushland TX, Kristopher Elston, Woodward OK
Six Great-Grandchildren; Kinsleigh Elston, Coy Fowler, Brooklyn Fowler, Kash Elston, Konner Elston, Mason Elston. Nieces and nephews, Cheri Doke, Nikki Lafsaux, Bryan Brown and Jeff Brown along with Great-nieces and nephews and a lifetime of friends.
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