Loretta Joy (Edwards) McGill

Loretta Joy (Edwards) McGill was born on March 16, 1939, in Valentine, NE, the first child of Robert and Leola (Case) Edwards. She grew up in Valentine and graduated from Valentine High School in 1957. Following high school, Joy entered the workforce in Valentine, where she worked at a local bank and later for Bell Telephone Company. While working for Bell Telephone, Joy met Bob McGill. The two were married on September 3, 1960, in Valentine. Bob’s work with Northwestern Bell took them to O’Neill, NE, where they spent their early married years. During that time, they welcomed their first two children, Terence Patrick and Tamara Kathleen. In 1964, Joy and Bob moved to Ainsworth, NE, where they continued to grow their family with the addition of Thomas Paul, Timothy Phillip, and Trevor Perry. Bob continued his career with Northwestern Bell, while Joy devoted herself to raising their children. On August 1, 1975, she began working as an office secretary for Ainsworth Public Schools, a position she held until her retirement in January 1996. Joy was devoted to her family and took great pride in supporting her children and grandchildren in their many activities and sporting events. She served as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts and was actively involved in her children’s lives. Joy and Bob loved packing up the station wagon and camper and traveling across the country on family vacations—experiences she often said were a lot of work but well worth it. Family gatherings were especially important to Joy and Bob, who made it a priority to spend time together for birthdays, Thanksgiving, and other occasions with aunts, uncles, and cousins. After Bob’s passing in 2010, Joy continued to make family a priority, especially her grandchildren. She faithfully attended their sporting events, dance recitals, and school programs whenever possible, remaining a constant and loving presence in their lives. In 2021, due to health concerns, Joy moved to Carter Place Assisted Living in Blair, NE, where she spent the remainder of her life surrounded by caring staff and close to family. Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Bob McGill; her parents, Robert and Leola Edwards; her sister, Jane (Edwards) Burdick; brother-in-law, Dick Burdick; her sister-in-law, Janice Edwards; and her niece, Brenda (Sobotka) Bean. She is survived by her children: Terry (LaVada) McGill of Ainsworth, Tamara (Forest) Jarnigan of Albuquerque, NM, Tom (Dortha) McGill of Ainsworth, Tim (Ann) McGill and Oakland, IA, and Trevor (Jamie) McGill of Blair; 17 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; her brothers, Jim Edwards of Valentine and Bill (Carolyn) Edwards of Kearney, NE; and other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral Service was held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth with Bill Edwards officiating at the event. The CD Selections of “Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace” by Alan Jackson were played. Casketbearers were: Tommy, Tyler, Zach, Braden, Jesse, Jered and Dylan McGill. Honorary Casketbearers were: All of Joy’s Granddaughters and Great-Grandchildren. Special remarks were given by Jim Edwards and Braden McGill. Memorials were suggested to the family for a future designation. Burial was in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfunerahome.com.