Loretta May Padgitt

September 25, 1933 - May 4, 2022

Loretta M. Padgitt, 88, of Rensselaer, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at her residence. Loretta was born on September 25, 1933, the daughter of Gerald and Lora (George) Gifford. Loretta graduated from Rensselaer High School with the Class of 1951. On March 18, 1955, she married Thomas Padgitt Jr., and he preceded her in death on October 9, 1989. She was primarily a homemaker but also worked at JC Penney’s for two years. Loretta was involved with the Easterseals charity providing services to children and adults with disabilities and veterans. She was also one of the founders of Opportunity Schools in the mid-1960s. In her spare time, Loretta was an avid reader. She always enjoyed time spent with her family. She will be dearly missed. Loretta is survived by her children, Jeffrey Padgitt, Diane (Mike) Lyons, and Janet Padgitt, all of Rensselaer, IN; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Larry (Muriel) Gifford of DeMotte, IN; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas; four brothers; two sisters; one step-great-grandson. Friends may call upon the family at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM CDT on Monday, May 9, 2022. A Funeral Service will take place at Jackson Funeral Chapel at 10:00 AM CDT on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, with Pastor Andy Martin officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of Rensselaer. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.