Loretta was born March 30, 1950 in Billings to Albert and Mary Sikora Ballek. She was raised on the family ranch west of Shepherd.
After graduation, Loretta worked for the State of Montana for 25 years. After retirement at the end of 1997, she worked in several parks including Yellowstone, Denali, Rainier, and Custer State Park. February of 2000 found her on her “furthest away” adventure, on a mission to Honduras.
Loretta enjoyed walking, reading, bowling, and watching movies and games shows – especially Bob!
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Emily Hoban, Dianne Zentner and Myrina Campbell; and last but not least, her four-legged buddy, Doc.
Survivors include her daughter, Bernadette (Art) Murphy of Butte; son, Josh (Kelly) Macrow, of Missoula; grandkids, Taylor, Ben, and Victor; brother, Chet (Carol) Ballek of Red Lodge; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Luetta.
Thank you, Taylor, Doctor Ofer, Kendra, Father Beretta, and Madeline for the wonderful care you gave our mom and for keeping her wishes. She died with peace and dignity.
Loretta requested that no services be held. Memorials in honor of Loretta are suggested to Our Lady of the Rockies or to a foundation of the donors’ choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Loretta.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Loretta and her family.
Linda Millard says
My aunt Loretta was always my favorite aunt. We use to meet at a hot springs at least once a year or somewhere else every year. I’m glad l got to see one of my favorite people this July at my daughters college graduation party. Loretta had such a bubbly personality she always had that smile and that one a kind laugh I’m not good at texting so l will miss every thing about you l cherish all the time and weekly phone calls that we had except l was never able to call you between 9 and 10 during the price is right that show has lost one of there greatest fans until we meet in heaven Thank you you will have a special place in my heart say hi to mom ! Will alway love you to the moon and back Bernadette and josh l will keep you in my prayers. Your mom was truly one of a kind to say the least !
Betty Konen says
Loretta did taxes at Aldersgate when I did. I remember her as always being cheerful and ready to help. Would see her once in a while. At the store after that and she always remembered me. I know you will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
Rita Roller says
Loretta will be greatly missed by the 5 sisters of Cliff:
Rita, Bev,Linda, Jacque and Karla. She was like a sister to us!! She had a very infectious laugh that was only Loretta!. Mom Z., especially, loved getting her short little notes/cards throughout the year along with never missing sending her Holidays cards.
Sally Russell says
So sorry about ur Mom. I worked with her at MDT for many years. A great lady she was.
Marcia Quanbeck Miller says
Loretta and I went to elementary school together at Scandia School. It was such an innocent time…we played endlessly outside in all weather! She was fierce at Red River! We were good buddies way back then.
Marcia Quanbeck Miller says
Loretta and I went to elementary school together at Scandia School. It was such an innocent time…we played endlessly outside in all weather! She was fierce at Red Rover! We were good buddies way back then.
Larry Quanbeck says
Loretta was one of ten students in my first grade class at Scandia School, rural Shepherd. Loretta was a truly kind person whose smile and words were always uplifting. I am grieved by her passing. May her family and friends treasure their memories of her, as do I.
Nancy Quanbeck Klotovich says
I also went to Scandia School with Loretta. I was in the “Big Room” with her sister, Dianne. If I had seen Loretta in her adulthood, I would have known who she was…that cute smile and rosie cheeks. She was a Ballak!