Loretta J. Smith, 89, went peacefully to Heaven to be forever with the Lord on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Manor Care Health Services in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Born September 17, 1930, in Madison, South Dakota, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Ella (Krueger) Mueller. It was in Madison at the German Baptist Church in Madison where, at age 11, she received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.

Loretta graduated in 1948 from Provo High School in Igloo, South Dakota. She graduated in 1955 from Omaha Baptist Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, where she met Vernon, her husband of 64 years.  They were married June 2, 1956.

Loretta was a devoted wife to husband Vernon as he pastored churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Florida, and a loving mother raising her two sons, Dan and Randy, in a Christian home. Her faith, prayers, and example are a great heritage.

Loretta is survived by her loving husband Vernon of Marion, Iowa, and by sons Dan (Deb) Smith of Springville, Iowa, and Randy (Elena) Smith of Greenville, South Carolina.  She is also survived by nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Darlene Ranne, Elberta Fellows, and Estella Wilhelm, and brother Donald Mueller.

Friends are welcome to visit with the family on Wednesday March 18, 2020, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the Friendship Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  The funeral service will commence at 11:00 AM with Pastor Terry Hamilton officiating.  Interment will follow at Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion, Iowa.  Arrangements are by Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids.

Pallbearers are grandsons Mike Smith, Brett Smith, Matt Smith, and Marcus Smith; grandsons-in-laws Keith Baker and Marcus Allan; and great-grandson Kyle Baker.

The family of Loretta wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the kind Manor Care staff, the wonderful Mercy Hospice nurses, Hannah and Jenny, and to Pastor Terry Hamilton for their love, support, prayers, and songs during Loretta's last months, days, and hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Friendship Baptist Church - Faith Promise Missions Fund, in her name.