Loretta Van Roekel

Loretta Ann Jones-Van Roekel, the daughter of Oscar Eugene and Melinda Diane (Wilder) Robinson, was born November 29, 1968 in Covington, Kentucky. She graduated from Grant County High School in Dry Ridge, Kentucky.

Loretta moved to Iowa where she met Randy Van Roekel. They were married on June 17, 2007 in Reasnor, Iowa. Loretta had worked at various businesses in customer services including Kinetic in Newton, Iowa. Loretta was a member of Haven Vineyard Church in Newton. She enjoyed shopping, mustang horses, mustang cars, her dogs and Mickey Mouse. She loved spending time with her grandchildren here in Iowa and making frequent trips to see her family and grandchildren in Kentucky, where she enjoyed eating Skyline Chili and at Frisch's Big Boy restaurants.

Loretta died on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at her home in Newton. She was 57 years old. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Chasity Robinson.

Those left to honor Loretta's name include her husband, Randy Van Roekel; her children, Matthew Rayburn, Joshua (Jessie) Rayburn and Tashia Collins; her step children, Ryan (Rosa Solorio) Van Roekel, Brandon Van Roekel and Samantha (Shay Brennan) Van Roekel; a special niece, FaithAnn Graves; her many grandchildren, and her best friend who she considered a sister, Jennifer Stamper and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ron and Mary Lou Van Roekel.

A visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Silent City Cemetery in Monroe, Iowa. Memorials may be designated in Loretta's name to the Animal Rescue League and may be left at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.