Loretta Mary Steedly

Loretta M. Fry Steedly (née Dann), 86, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, in her home in Aiken, South Carolina.

Born on February 21, 1939, in Norwalk, Ohio, Loretta was the daughter of Donald and Dolly Dann of Wakeman, Ohio. She grew up in northern Ohio alongside her brother John Dann of North Fairfield, who preceded her in death. She moved to SC in the late ‘70’s and was a member of Mt Horeb Methodist Church.

Loretta’s life was marked by deep connections and enduring relationships. She was first married to Douglas T. Fry of (Monroeville, Ohio) who resided in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania at the time of death, with whom she shared 30 years with and raised a family. After his passing, she later found companionship again with her second husband, John Steedly of Lexington, South Carolina. Both husbands preceded her in death.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: daughter Lisa (Michael) Hintz of Aiken, SC; son Christopher (Paula) Fry of North, SC; daughter Kimberly (Rolland) Dinkins of Lugoff, SC; and daughter Kathleen (Thomas) Rose of Waynesville, NC. Loretta was a devoted grandmother to Megan New of the home in Aiken; Emerick Stone and Seth Hintz of Aiken; Rachel Fry of North; and Sean Rose and Savannah of Columbia.

Loretta’s home was always filled with warmth and welcome—a reflection of her love for socializing and entertaining friends. She was a founding member of a socialite group known as The Magnolias. She had a passion for gardening and took great pride in the blueberry bushes she nurtured and harvested over the years. Her love for travel took her across the globe, enriching her life with experiences that she cherished deeply. In quieter moments, she found joy in reading—a pastime that brought both comfort and inspiration. She actively supported several causes and charities including the Riverbanks Zoo, animal welfare and veteran support groups.

Her beloved cat Smokey remained a constant companion in recent years, following the death of her cat Sanders. Loretta also shared an extraordinary lifelong friendship with Bernice Richardson of Lexington, SC—her best friend for many decades—and received devoted care from Grace Sheppard of Langley, SC during her later years when her primary caregiver, her granddaughter Megan, worked.

Loretta’s legacy lives on through those who knew and loved her. May her memory bring comfort to all whose lives she touched.

Graveside services will be held on October 24, 2025 at 2 pm at Woodridge Memorial Park, Lexington, SC. 

Memorials may be made to Riverbanks Zoo Tribute Brick Campaign @society.riverbanks.org

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801.