Loretta McArthur Schiefer

Loretta McArthur Schiefer, 91, passed away February 20, 2026. She was born December 21, 1934 in St George, Utah to Lola Hafen and Arnold McArthur. She married Gerald R. Schiefer on December 1, 1954.

Loretta grew up in St George as the 2nd of six children. She excelled in school and music and attended Dixie College where she met Gerald Schiefer when they were both Student Body Officers. After dating, they were married in the St George temple. They spent a brief time in El Paso, TX and England as Gerald was serving in the Army National Guard. They then moved to Salt Lake City while Gerald attended University of Utah and Loretta worked. After he graduated, they moved to Ridgecrest, CA where Gerald was working for the Navy. While in Ridgecrest they were able to adopt their three children, Heidi, Scott and Charlie. They spent 42 years in the California desert raising their children and making many lifelong friends.

Loretta loved America and its history. The family was able to spend a year living in Virginia where they toured all of the historic sites they could in Virginia and the surrounding states learning history. After returning to Ridgecrest, Loretta produced and directed a musical program that included all of the children in the area who wanted to participate. This program called "Our Country Tis of Thee" written by Ruth Roberts of New York, was a full musical production including an orchestra, song, dance, narrative and costumes. She directed it for 20 years.

After spending a few years in Washington, DC while Gerald was working there again, they returned to Ridgecrest again and she taught early morning seminary for 23 years. After retiring, they moved to Pine Valley, Utah.

Loretta loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and lived and served faithfully in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of the callings she served in were in the Young Women, Primary, Relief Society and Seminary.

Loretta is survived by her husband Gerald, of Pine Valley; her children, Heidi (Terry) of Riverton, UT; Scott (Tracy) of West Valley City, UT and Charlie of Cedar City, UT: 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; her sisters Arlene, Ramona and Annette. She is preceded in death by her brothers Ralph and Donald.

Funeral services will be held on February 27, 2026 at 11:00am at the LDS church located on the road going to Pine Valley in Central, UT. She specifically requested no viewing. Interment will take place in the Pine Valley Cemetery.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories and sign Loretta's online guestbook below.