Loretta Janice Furrey was born November 4, 1941, to Gerald and Antha (Kinsley) Furrey in Nebraska. She grew up in the Valentine and Mission area on a farm. She moved to Kadoka, South Dakota her junior year of high school and graduated as Valedictorian of her class. She then attended Black Hills Teachers College and received a teaching degree. After graduating, Loretta taught school in Rapid City.
She was united in marriage to Jerry Ward, and they moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where their son, Jeff, was born. Later they moved to Kadoka where their son, Gary, was born.
Loretta divorced Jerry shortly thereafter.
Loretta was a devoted stay at home mom for her two sons and resided with her father, Gerald Furrey. Loretta worked cleaning motel rooms while her children were younger.
In the mid-1970’s, she continued her teaching career in Wanblee. Later she took a position teaching elementary school in Kadoka where she taught until her retirement.
Loretta was active in the community as a member of the Rebeccah Lodge. She also volunteered at the CAP Office and served on the Jackson County Library Board. Loretta left her home in Kadoka in April 2014 due to health problems. She was in and out of the hospital, assistant living, and nursing homes until her death.
Loretta was an avid reader, especially mystery books. She enjoyed gardening and making quilts. Her family is what she cared for most. She will be missed dearly by all those she touched through family, friends, and teaching.
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