Obituary of Loretta Lee Mattocks

Loretta Mattocks, 81, of Niles, passed away at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

She was born in Niles, Michigan on October 25, 1941, to the late Harry and Evelyn (Morros) Hemphill.  Loretta graduated from Niles High School in 1960, and shortly after graduation she married Willis Grady. To that union three daughters were born. Loretta and Willis divorced a few years later. She remarried in 1986, to Charles Mattocks in Georgia.

In her teenage years she worked for Veni’s Candy Shop. She went on to work for Simplicity Pattern Company for many years, and later as a security guard for Pilkington.  After moving south, she worked several jobs.

Loretta was a fan of Elvis, Willie Nelson, and old Western movies.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Hemphill Jr.; mother and step-father, William and Evelyn Moneysmith; husband, Charles Mattocks; great-grand-grandchildren, Arlan, Ezra, William, and Elle; her uncle, Mervin Morros Jr.; and her son-in-law, Dave Witham.

Loretta is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Witham of Niles, Michigan, Laurie (James) Farris of Granger, Indiana, Pamela (Michael) Malisa of Niles, Michigan; six grandchildren, Jessica Farris, Heather (John Danaher) Farris, Zachary Farris, Kimberly (Kevin) Johnson, Megan (John) Butz, and Stephanie Malisa; ten great-grandchildren, Patrick, Sean, Aiden, Everett, Jordyn, Sheridan, Alicen, John, Raygen, and Kayden.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. She will be laid to rest with her husband Charles at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.  The family will be hosting a memorial service on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at First Church of Christ Yankee in Niles at 11:00 a.m.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Loretta’s memory may do so to the National Parkinson’s Foundation or Gift of Life, Michigan.