Loretta Ann Helms, daughter of the late Lowell and Lula (Gray) Young, was born March 13, 1948, in Nashville, Tenn., and departed this life Dec. 11, 2021, in Spearfish, S.D. She was 73 years, 8 months and 29 days of age. Loretta married James Leroy Helms on Sep. 21, 1964, when she was 16 years old. Four children were born to this union: Lisa, David, Greg and Lori. They made their home in Ozark for many years. James and Loretta devoted much of their life to missionary work. They would load their motor home with clothes, books and goods, and take them from Missouri to the Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. At first, they were only able to deliver the goods and were not welcomed to stay. After a few years of doing this, they gained the trust of the tribe and moved to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Indian Reservation in 1994. They lived with them as missionaries for many years. All together, Loretta has lived in South Dakota for 27 years. Loretta always enjoyed cooking and baking. She loved spending time with her family, and especially enjoyed her grandchildren. Loretta was a faithful and devoted Christian woman, and she spent her life serving the Lord. Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, James Helms; one daughter, Lisa Helms; one son, Greg Helms; her parents, Lowell and Lula Young; one brother, Manuel Young; and one sister, Jeanie Pearson. She is survived by one son, David Helms and Amy; one daughter, Lori Helms; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; four brothers, Jimmy Dale Young and his wife, Patricia, Bobby Young, Ronnie Young and Timmy Young; two sisters, Shirley Vining and LaDonna Young-Coday; and many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her. Graveside services for Loretta Helms were held, Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hartville. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Hartville. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
