Loretta Lorz Bender

LORETTA LORZ BENDER of Chardon OH, passed at age 88. Married for nearly 65 years, she was predeceased by her devoted husband Ray. Loretta is survived by Lynn (Michael) Klotz and Michael (Kathleen) Bender; grandchildren Maxwell (Jessica Ke) and Samuel Klotz, Emily and Raymond Bender; nephews and nieces David, Carolyn, and James (Diane) Strahl; their children Michael, Heather, Gretchen, Lauren (Eric Charleton), and Joe (Maddy) Strahl. She was also predeceased by her parents, F. Joseph and Frances (Gardiner) Lorz; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Walt Strahl; and sisters-in-law Beverly and Judith Bender.

Growing up in Cleveland, Loretta was most proud of her time with the Cleveland Heights High School Choir, with whom she performed across Europe. She went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from Allegheny College, cherishing her time with the Allegheny Singers and her Kappa (KKG) sisters. Lori and Ray married in 1959 and moved to Detroit where she taught 2nd and 3rd grades and welcomed Lynn and Michael. Later moving to Chardon OH, Lori taught at and managed Happy's Nursery School.

Lori's passion for singing continued in Webster NY with Sweet Adelines International, enjoying more than 20 years of competitions and undertaking several leadership roles. In addition to music, Lori swam regularly, loved to read, gardening, watching birds, and was her grandkids' biggest fan.

After Ray's retirement, they moved to Point Chautauqua NY and made several new friends "snow-birding" in Destin FL. Lori loved sitting on the front porch at the Point with family. She made many dear friends in the caring providers at Maplewood and Hospice of Western Reserve.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to The Point Chautauqua Historical Preservation Society (PCHPS), PO Box 129, Dewittville NY 14728. A celebration of Loretta's life will be held at the Point this summer.

Arrangements and cremation entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS.

Online obituary and guestbook at www.DeJohnCares.com