Loretta J. Ortbals' Obituary
Loretta J. Ortbals, age 96 of Madison Heights passed away peacefully September 23, 2025. She was born February 9, 1929 in Ferndale, Michigan. She was married to Leo H. Ortbals, Jr. on 4-30-1955.
She is survived by her children: Janet Maynard, Barry (Barbara) Ortbals, June (Paul d. 2019) Fry, Jackie Ortbals. Grandchildren: Jason Hansen, Dustin (Rachel) Ortbals, Kellen Fry, Kevin Ortbals, Drew (Erica) Fry. Great-grandchildren: Olivia, Maya, Landon, Kaylee, Lucas, Leo Ortbals, Emory, Chase Fry.
She is predeceased by her husband Leo Henry Ortbals, Jr. d. 1-13-2010.
Brothers: Vern LaVassaur d. 1986, Alvino LaVasseur d. 1981, Arnold LeVasseur d. 1988, Lester LeVaseur d. 2012, Francis (Ray) LaVaseur d. 2007, Roland LeVasseur d. 2001, Sister: Jacklin (LeVasseur) Hawkins d. 2022.
Parents: Father- Dolphis LeVassaur d. 3-20-1964, Mother- Jennie (Seymour) LeVassaur d. 12-27-1976.
Loretta was an energetic, fun loving person. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, card games, boating and loved dancing. She taught line dancing into her 80’s. She loved a good joke and expressed her humor through homemade birthday cards. She also enjoyed an occasional trip to the Casino with her friends. Her early work life was as a stenographer, then employed at Thompson Products and later Witbeck. Many years followed as a loving wife, mother and homemaker. When her children were more independent she returned to work for Sears & Roebuck. In her later years, she enjoyed being involved with the Madison Heights Senior Center. She was a wonderful mother-in-law and grandmother too. Loretta battled Alzheimer’s for many years but the family was grateful for the wonderful loving care she received at Sterling Elder Care. She will be deeply missed and remembered by family and friends for her smile and her kindness. Mom your struggle is over, you are free! Rest in Peace. We love you and will forever miss you!
Loretta will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI.
In lieu of flowers, family requests Memorial Donations to: Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org
Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R Rd., Madison Heights, MI
Visitation: Sunday, October 12, 2025 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Service with Chaplin Latasha Sylvester 3:00
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