Loretta Whitaker

Loretta Whitaker, age 74, of McIntosh, MN, passed away on Sunday (December 25th) at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday (December 29th) at Immanuel Lutheran Church in McIntosh with the Rev. Mark Peske officiating. Interment will be in Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery, McIntosh. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home, serving McIntosh and an online guestbook is available at carlinhoialmen.com.Loretta was born on April 26, 1937 in Havre, Montana to parents Wesley and Ida (Hall) Whitaker. She grew up 30 miles north of Gilford, Montana on her family's farm. She graduated from Gilford High School in 1955.She united in marriage on May 19, 1956 to Duane Edwards in Havre. To that union they had four children. The family traveled throughout the world and lived on many military bases. Loretta worked as a nursing assistant in many nursing facilities throughout Montana as she enjoyed working with the elderly. She was also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in McIntosh.Loretta looked forward to playing bingo at the Club on Thursday nights. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. They were the highlight of her life and her eyes would light up when she spoke of them! Loretta was an avid sports fan! She enjoyed all sports especially watching Nascar and cheering for Jeff Gordon as she drank her favorite drink "Coke"! Through the years she enjoyed crocheting afghans and giving them to family and friends.Surviving as her children Wayne (Shannon) Edwards of Nasuha, Mt. Rae Ann (Everett) Osland of Erskine, MN. David Edwards of Kansas, Roger (Vicki) Edwards of Spring Hill, Kansas. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters, Lorraine Lee of Sequim, Wash., Russell Whitaker of Tomson Falls, Mt., Richard Whitaker of Yerington, NV. Kenneth (Kathy) Whitaker of Denton, MT., Myrtle (Don) Farber of Reedsbury, WI., Wesley (Lana) Whitaker of Great Falls, MT., Patty (LaVern) Penner of Buhlen, KS. Clarence (Lorraine) Woods of Great Falls, MT. and also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.Preceding her in death are her parents, and sister Emily.Pallbearers will be Todd Tranby, Pete Tranby, Gordie Ostenaa, Dick Croaker, and Ordell Aanenson.