Loretta Phelps Fitch

Loretta Phelps Fitch Loretta Belle Fitch, age 96 of Rochester passed away January 1, 2015 at Seasons Hospice House.She was born April 28, 1918 in Dover, MN the daughter of Elmer & Jessie (Millard) Younger. Loretta worked for Telex for 32 years prior to her retirement.She also worked in the ship yards in California during WWII.She enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, dancing, camping and fishing, traveling and tending to her flowers and gardening.She was a longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church, The Senior Center, Moose Lodge, Red Hat Group, and was active in Solo SinglesClub.She married Clayton Strain in September of 1934 and they later divorced.January 3, 1941 she married Charles Phelps and he preceded her in death December 23, 1985.She married Frank Fitch in 1989 and he preceded her in death in 1991.Surviving are her children: Clayton Strain (Mary) of Chester, Darrell Strain (friend Rosemary Schliep) of Eyota, Clark Phelps (Rose) and Ronnie Phelps (Rita) both of Oronoco and daughter-in-law Jan Strain of Rochester; 4 step-children, Robert Fitch of Pine Island, Judy Lequve of Pine Island, Debra House of Red Wing, and John Fitch of Hastings; 11 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 11 great great grandchildren survive along with 2 brothers, Raymond Younger (Loris) of Byron, Dayton Younger (Patricia) of Rochester, 2 sisters, Beverly Strain of Rochester, and Sylvia Rossman (Bill) of Eyota; sister-in-law Noreen (Hector) Salcedo of Anaheim, CA.;special friend and life companion Selmer Gramstad,and longtime special friend that has meant so much to her Pat Zirbes.She was preceded in death by her parents, her three husbands, 2 sisters,infant son Larry, and other relatives and friends.Funeral services will be held 10 AM Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Chapel, burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Monday and again one hour prior to services at the funeral home.