On June 4th, 2025 Loretta M. Givens, nee Bachmann, passed into the hands of the Lord. Loretta was born to Emma, nee Hadler, and Ernst Bachmann on March 28, 1940 in Perry County, MO. She grew up with her six brothers and sisters on the family farm in Farrar and graduated from Perryville High School in 1959. After graduation she began working for the Defense Mapping agency in St. Louis. Through her coworker and future sister in law, Millie Stanton, she met the love of her life, Arthur (Bill) William Givens.
She and Bill were married in December of 1970 and made their home in Sunset Hills. They welcomed their daughter Grace the next year who was followed by Eric in 1973. Bill worked as a machinist for Lever Brothers and Loretta cared for their home and kids and worked part time at Riedel’s Bakery making all sorts of beautiful desserts. The family attended the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens where Loretta and Bill were active members. Years of school meetings, dance recitals, costume parades, birthdays, holidays and graduations went by. When their nest was empty, Loretta and Bill took up dancing and made plans to see the world.
Sadly, life took a sharp turn when Bill was diagnosed with cancer. They leaned heavily on their faith during his illness and traveled as much as they could before his passing in 2000. Loretta continued traveling, making trips to Europe, Central America and the Middle East. She eventually resettled in Perryville. Loretta, herself, battled and defeated cancer and until recently she enjoyed working in her garden.
Loretta’s life was shaped by her deep and abiding faith in God and belief in Jesus Christ as her savior. This was the font of her strength in times of trouble and the source of her hope everyday. Though we grieve her loss, we are comforted by the knowledge that she is in Heaven and reunited at last with her beloved Bill. We will remember her when we see the color Coral, which was her favorite, in a flower or a sunset.
Loretta was preceded in death by her husband Arthur (Bill) Givens, parents Emma and Ernst Bachmann, Orville and Esther Bachmann, Vernold and Reva Bachmann, Norman and Dorothy Bachmann, Euline Koenig, Annie Bachmann, Millie and Phil Stanton, Dorothy and Roy Smid and Edward Givens. She is survived by her daughter Grace, son Eric and daughter in law Barbara, Raymond Bachmann, Aldine and Lee Meunch, Norman Koenig, Fay Givens and many nieces and nephews.
Services for Loretta M. Givens will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Perryville, MO on Monday, June, 16th. with Rev. Joseph Schlie officating.
Visitation 9-11AM. Service at 11AM. Luncheon to follow.
Internment at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, MO on June 17th at 11AM.
Donations in lieu of flowers to Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, KFUO Radio Station,
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.