Loretta DeWalt
Loretta Jean DeWalt, “Jean” to her many friends, died December 15, 2022. Jean, 87, of Charlotte, was born on April 9, 1935, in Marion, Indiana to Charles H. and Vera I. (Rhoades) Ballard. Jean loved to laugh and did so often. She had a warm and friendly smile; was generous and caring; accepting of anyone; and had a fun sense of humor. She filled her days to the brim with friends, reading, sewing, word searches, cooking, and time with family. One of her favorite places to travel to was to her daughter’s home in North Carolina. She was a wonderful hostess and opened her home up often. Her deck with the wonderful views of nature allowed her to watch her hummingbirds and to care for and enjoy her flowers. In addition to being a wonderful mom and grandma, she was employed with Eaton County Courthouse Circuit Court for 25 years. Prior to that, she was the secretary at Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church where she also enjoyed singing in the choir. Jean volunteered often for various groups. She enjoyed the Job’s Daughters with both of her daughters and granddaughters; Charlotte HS Band, Jaycee’s Auxillary; LAUMC-Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; and for our elections as a poll-worker. Her cherished daughters brought her more family to love and she was a centerpiece in each of their lives.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Ronda (Brian) Decker; grandchildren, Michael (Brandi) Pruden, Alexis (Patrick) Cooper, Tiffany (Brian) Matson, Andy (Holly) Pruden, Sydney (Jennifer) Larrimore-Decker, Shelby (Maria) Winkler-Decker; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings, Barbara Buxton, Patricia Ballard; and son-in-law, Timothy Pruden. She was predeceased by her husband, Ivan DeWalt; daughter, Kathy Pruden; her parents; and her brother-in-law, John Buxton.
Friends are encouraged to support Jean’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held Monday, December 19 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Karen Wheat officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Jean’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Christmas Kiddies, The American Heart Association, or Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.