72, of Phoenix, AZ passed away March 8, 2017, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born August 8, 1944, in Topeka, KS to Leo Francis and Mable Frances (Gallagher) Barthelme. Loretta was a registered nurse at John C Lincoln Medical Center (North Mountain) for many years until her retirement in 2014. Loretta was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School (Pittsburg Colgan) in Pittsburg, KS. She graduated from the registered nursing program at Garden City Community College in 1992, in addition to her previous degree in Accounting. Her hobbies in life included horses and painting. Loretta enjoyed flying and had achieved commercial pilot status and owned a plane. She was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol (USAF Auxiliary). She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Harold Eugene. Loretta is survived by two daughters, Paula Marie (Frisby) Reece of Casper, WY & Cristina Ann Frisby of Litchfield Park, AZ, three grandchildren, Erica Mountain (Rocky), Derek Wyatt (Amanda), Jaden Reece and one great-grandchild. Family will greet friends at the visitation Sunday, March 12
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, 2017 at 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix followed by a rosary prayer service. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am Monday, March 13
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, 2017 at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, followed by reception and luncheon at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home. Burial procession begins at 9:00am Tuesday, March 14
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, 2017 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home with Rite of Committal Ceremony at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix at 10:00am. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or Desert Harbor Doberman Rescue of AZ, PO Box 97425, Phoenix, AZ 85060. Loretta had a unique sense of humor that brought laughter to many. She will be greatly missed by her family & friends.