Loretta Mettlach

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Loretta Marie Mettlach, age 83, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at her home in Joplin, MO. She was born in Pierce City, MO on Saturday, June 10, 1939; daughter of Tom and Dorothy (Kuklenski) Dwyer and sister to Marjorie Ann. She graduated from Pierce City High School in 1957. 

She married Harold Joseph Mettlach on September 3, 1960, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Monett, MO. 

Loretta loved being outdoors. She enjoyed growing flowers, watching birds, gardening, canning, cooking, and going to flea markets and auctions. She even clerked at many auctions over the years. She raised peacocks as well. 

Music was one of her great passions. Loretta was in a band, Solid Gold Country, in the late 70's early 80's where she played the keyboard and fiddle. They played in the Pierce City Fall Festival, in basements, and at the armory. Loretta loved to laugh and play cards or dominoes. 

She was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Joplin where she loved the people. Her family heard her talk about how kind and generous the parishioners were to her. She also loved the neighbor kids. She enjoyed spending time with them and often had something to give them when they came around. She was especially close to her great-granddaughter, Mia, and enjoyed having deep conversations and taking her to preschool. 

Loretta was an insurance agent in Pierce City and Monett for many years. She touched so many people and will be truly missed!

Surviving are the following, one son, Russell Mettlach of Joplin, MO; one daughter, Valerie (Robert) Duley of Joplin, MO; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Welcoming her to heaven were her parents, Tom and Dorothy Dwyer; a sister, Marjorie Ann Dwyer; and her husband, Harold Joseph Mettlach.

Memorial Mass will be at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Joplin, MO on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, beginning at 10:00 AM with Father Brian Strauss officiating. Burial will be later that day at Mt Calvary Cemetery in Monett, MO. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.