Loretta Mae Madden was born October 14, 1940 in Maud, Oklahoma to Rex and Julia Mae Beal. Her early childhood was spent with her grandparents on the farm, surrounded by loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Her younger brother, Rex Beal Jr., shared her love of movies and they would frequent The Pine Theater in Tecumseh. At Tecumseh high school, she was the basketball queen and two-time winner of the Fastest Typist award. One day, she noticed a cute new boy across the school library. His name was GD and they married three years later, on Thanksgiving Day. They loved each other every day for more than 62 years.

She started working at 14 years old so she could take herself to the hair salon. She loved telling stories about the variety of jobs she held. The highlights include working as a telephone operator and being responsible for sounding the tornado sirens, wrapping gifts at Sears, being in the typing pool at OU and working in the athletic department under Bud Wilkinson. In 1976, she began working for her dad at his trucking company. She earned the respect of everyone she encountered from executives to truck drivers. But nothing compared to the job of a lifetime, mother.

Loretta and GD welcomed two children, their daughter Kellye and their son Doug. Loretta provided a loving, safe and fun home for her family. She loved to get creative in the ways she showed up for her children, from making pink bread for the kids sandwiches on Valentine's day to making their Halloween costumes. She could always be counted on to serve in the PTA, as homeroom mom, or as chauffeur to any activities.

In 1990, Loretta found a new joy as Grandma. Grant, Maeghan, George and Ethan held a very special place in Loretta's life. She enjoyed her weekly Grandma Days, back-to-school shopping, card playing and holiday traditions. She had the great joy of welcoming two great-grandchildren, Harper and Howard.

Second only to her love for her family, was her love of hospitality. Her home could be found covered in flowers and painted eggs for Easter or hundreds of Santa Claus figures for Christmas. She was a member of a card club, gourmet club, Red Hat Society, bridge club, and Sunday school and enjoyed hosting gatherings, especially if there was a theme.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex Beal Sr. and Julia Mae Beal; step-mother Charlene Beal; and her brother James Keith Beal.

Loretta was lovingly cared for by her grandson, George, during her final months. He was her champion, companion, and faithful caregiver. We are so grateful for his dedication and commitment to her.

Loretta is survived by her daughter Kellye and husband Brian; son Doug and wife Laura; four grandchildren, Grant Newby and wife Serena; Maeghan Savage and husband Nolan; George Madden IV and Ethan Newby; two great-grandchildren, Harper Newby and Howard Savage; brother Rex Beal Jr. and wife Diana; sister-in-law Sandra Prince; niece Nicole Bewley; nephew Robert Burns; niece Robyn Smith; and countless friends who will miss her dearly and remember her fondly.

Loretta was a charter member of St. Andrew's Community Church and the Koinonia Sunday school class, where she had many dear friends. Her family finds comfort knowing that Loretta is with her Lord and Savior.