Loretta A. Gold

Loretta Ann Gold (nee Wheeler), aged 90, was born May 7, 1932 in Elkhart, IN to Donald P. and Mildred H. Wheeler. She entered Eternal Life on October 26, 2022 at Glenn Arbor Place, Battle Creek.

Following graduation from high school in Elkhart, Loretta moved with her parents to Battle Creek. During a marriage to Peter D. Gold in 1951, a son, Gary was born in 1952. They were later divorced. Loretta worked at the Athelston Club, Battle Creek Country Club, and Federal Home Insurance Company. After the closing of HBJ (formerly Federal Home) she pursued an RN at KCC, having already completed two other Associate Degrees. Upon graduation, she worked for 5 years at the VA Hospital in the psychiatric ward.

A longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Loretta was active in the Chancel Choir, served on the Board of Deacons and was an Elder serving on the church Session. She served as a Sunday School teacher, and numerous years by going on Caravan mission trips.

A lover of nature, Loretta was active on the Board of Michigan Audubon and served as president. She took great delight in making sure that her child, grandchildren and great grandchildren were educated in all things pertaining to nature, birds and caring for the earth which God gave us. Loretta was a 57 year member of Order of the Easter Star, most recently of Bedford Chapter #471.

Loretta is survived by her son, Gary, and daughter-in-law Ann; granddaughter, Sarah Clements and husband Dustin Clements; grandson, Andrew Gold and Amanda Handl, great-grandchildren, Adalynne Gold, Benjamin Clements, Charlotte Handl-Gold, yet to be born Baby Girl Clements and step-grandson, Danny Handl; several cousins and many friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 111 Capital Ave, Battle Creek, on Friday, November 4th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. A time to greet family and friends will be held two hours prior to the service, starting at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Battle Creek, following the luncheon. Memorial donations may be made to the Battle Creek First Presbyterian Church or the Michigan Audubon Society. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.