Loretta Bartley Tekell

Loretta Bartley Tekell, 89, life-long resident of Tahoka, passed away on Saturday morning, November 18, 2023.  She was born on November 11, 1934, in Tahoka, Lynn County, Texas, to the late Sam Bartley and Una Park Bartley.

She attended Tahoka Schools and graduated in 1952 from Tahoka High School.

Loretta met Wayne Tekell, the love of her life, and they were united in marriage on January 18, 1953, in Tahoka.  Wayne preceded her in death on April 14, 2016.

Loretta was the Business Manager for Tahoka ISD for 20 years before retiring.  She loved her kids and grandchildren, cherishing them all, as well as her friends and neighbors, all who knew her as Nonnie.  She faithfully played cards with her lady’s group at the Tahoka Pioneer Museum.  She also loved to travel, play dominos, crafting and sewing.  Loretta was named the Outstanding Woman of Tahoka in 1997.  Loretta was a loyal 36 year member of the GFWC Phebe K. Warner club of Tahoka.  During her time as President she developed the Lynn County Family History book.  Loretta served as Caprock District treasurer and second Vice President, and President.  She loved her time supporting the club activities, recruited many members and scholarship fund raising for high school seniors.  Loretta and Wayne loved to go to their home in Ruidoso for getaways.  Loretta was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Tahoka.

Those left to honor and cherish her memory include two sons:  Mark Tekell and his wife Charlsie of Lubbock, and Lane Tekell and his wife Heather of Tahoka; one daughter, Melanie Sloan of San Saba, Texas; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, Edward Bartley; three sisters:  Isla Stroud, Jerine Dorsey and Valerie Green.

Visitation for Loretta will be held from 5 to 7 p. m. on Friday, November 24, 2023, at the Combest Family Memorial Chapel in Tahoka.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Tahoka, with Reverend Derek Cory officiating.  Final rites and interment will follow in the Tahoka Cemetery under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Home of Tahoka.

Pallbearers will be Logan Tekell, Grant Tekell, Cameron Tekell, Wil Sloan, Blaise Lester, Travis Corsi, Kyler Rhea and Kyson Brookshire.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Tahoka Pioneer Museum, 1600 Lockwood, Tahoka, TX 79373, or to the Phebe K. Warner Scholarship Fund, c/o Rebecca Ingle, 2117 Lockwood, Tahoka, TX 79373.