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Loretta Watts Hanks, 84, of Downingtown, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 2, 2020 at her home with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert E. Hanks, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2018.
Born in Lexington, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Clifford Cleo and Lois Anna McCormick Watts. Nancy Loretta, was nicknamed, “Rex,” by her sister, Thelma, nicknamed “Sem.”
Loretta attended Lexington High School, Lexington, VA graduating in 1954. She attended Mary Washington, graduated from Pan Am Business school in Richmond, VA. Loretta met her husband, Bob, in Richmond. After raising their 2 children, Loretta, returned to the workforce. In 1983, she graduated summa cum laude from the West Chester State College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree. Is listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges for 1982-1983. Loretta worked for many years as a technical writer in the insurance business.
Loretta as a strong athlete was a cheerleader, played basketball, field hockey, in early years. She had a lifelong love of exercise, golf, biking which she enjoyed with her family. Loretta was a great seamstress, which she learned from her mother, often staying up long hours sewing. She loved her family, friends with her warm heart, quick wit and great sense of humor. She loved traveling with her husband, spending time at Bethany Beach with her family and summers spent in VA with her relatives. Loretta and Bob felt particularly blessed during retirement to spend time with their grandchildren, who will miss her dearly.
Loretta had a strong faith and loved her church family at Thorndale United Methodist Church. She loved hours spent in Bible and discipleship groups. She spent time playing her favorite hymns and Christmas songs on her piano. She was blessed to spend her final days in her home surrounded by her family, and cat, Chuck.
Loretta is survived by her children, Kim Kramer and her husband Kenneth; Todd Hanks and his wife Rev. Deborah Gildart-Hanks. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Joshua, Elizabeth and Benjamin Stippich, Katy and Sarah Hanks and Christopher and Michael Kramer. She was predeceased by her sister, Thelma Crist.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Brandywine Valley S.P.C.A., 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, Pa 19380 or to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org
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