Loretta L. Bennett

Loretta was born on May 22, 1934, to Clinton and Lula (Brandon) LaValley in Holdenville, Oklahoma. Loretta spent her early years in that small Oklahoma town. After graduating from Holdenville High School, she attended East Central State University in Ada, OK. Soon after, Loretta and her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

It was in Phoenix that Loretta met the love of her life, her husband Solon. The two were married on June 3, 1958. In the years following, Solon and Loretta’s family grew with the addition of three children – Leslie, Chris and Stephen. Family was the center of Loretta’s world. Nothing made her happier than to cook Sunday evening dinner for the family, except maybe bowling. She loved the sport and spent many years in leagues, even winning several tournaments.

The Bennett family moved to Dallas in 1968 and then on to Austin in 1971. Loretta took great pride in her Northwest Hills home and garden. Living in that same house for 52 years, Loretta built close relationships with all her neighbors. She was the queen of the block.

She was also a big Longhorn fan! Even though she grew up in a Sooner family, her three children attended and graduated from The University of Texas. She too became a Longhorn.

Loretta’s pride and joy was Stephen’s son and her grandson, Jack. The bond between them was special. Jack is now a freshman at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, and she couldn’t have been prouder of him.

Loretta was the consummate caregiver. She devoted five years of her life with dignity and grace to care for her husband as he battled Parkinson’s disease. She always had a smile and a laugh for Solon.

Loretta is preceded in death by her husband Solon; parents Clinton and Lula LaValley; brother Gary LaValley; sister Pat Habern; sister Joy Herring; and baby brother Lewayne.

She is survived by daughter Leslie Bennett; son and daughter-in-law Chris and Lisa Bennett; son and daughter-in-law Stephen and Michelle Bennett; grandson Jack Bennett; sister and brother-in-law Sharon and Johnny Tate; sister-in-law JoAnn LaValley; numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Davis Chapel at Cook-Walden Funeral Home. Cook-Walden is located at 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX. A reception will immediately follow.

Loretta will be interred at Austin Memorial Park next to her loving husband in a private service.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to two of Loretta’s favorite causes: animal welfare (ASPCA) and fighting hunger (Feeding America).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Bennett family.