Lorretta Cartwright

(From Nelson Funeral Service)

Lorretta Ruth Cartwright of Shell Knob, Missouri was born August 2, 1926, in Granby, Missouri to Charles and Stella (McGahan) Gibson. Lorretta passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Berryville, Arkansas at the age of 96.

Lorretta graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Kansas City, MO in 1947. She worked at McCune Brooks Hospital in Carthage, MO after her graduation. She then became an occupational therapist at St. John’s Hospital in Joplin, MO. She and her husband formed Cart’s Ceramics in 1973 where she worked until her retirement in 1995. At that time she relocated to Table Rock Lake. 

An avid fan of the Lady Bears basketball team, Lorretta also loved to fish and was active in water aerobics. She was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Shell Knob and a member of the LWML.

Lorretta is survived by her son Peter Cartwright (Clara) of Shell Knob, Missouri, daughters Ann Cartwright (Pat Harfst) of Phoenix, Arizona and Virginia DePetro (Matt) of Denver, Colorado, four grandchildren: Nick DePetro (Laura), Sam DePetro, Aaron Cartwright (Deb), and Sam Cartwright, four great grandchildren: Sara Cartwright, Abbey Cartwright, Josiah Cartwright, and Samantha DePetro, as well as other family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband William Cartwright, parents Charles and Stella Gibson, great grandson Hunter Cartwright, two brothers Elton Gibson and Bob Gibson, and daughter-in-law Nancy Cartwright.

A memorial service will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Shell Knob, Missouri, with Pastor Bob Alexander officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Peace Lutheran Church, PO Box 407, Shell Knob, MO 65747. Cremation arrangements under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com.