Loretta Ann Merricks

Loretta Ann Merricks, 66, of Rustburg, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. She was born on July 10, 1955 in Lynchburg, daughter of the late Louie S. Merricks, Jr. and Betty D. Harper. In addition to her beloved father, she was preceded in death by a special uncle, Charlie L. Dowdy. Loretta was retired from Commscope. She was a member of the Altavista Moose Lodge and loved to socialize with her friends and pay the games there. Survivors include her mother, Betty D. Harper and her husband Lewis of Forest; stepmother, Carol Merricks of Forest; a son, James Dale Harper of Tucson, Arizona; a granddaughter, Sarah Marie Harper of Tucson, AZ; two sisters, Linda M. Johns and her husband Buddy of Hurt and Robin Caughey her husband Bob of Forest and a step-sister, Vicky Cheatham of Forest. She is also survived by two nephews, Jamie Kelly of Gladys and Joey Kelly of Altavista whom she loved as if they were her own children. Loretta had numerous cousins and friends including Laura Bibb, a loyal friend of over 40 years who sat long hours at the hospital with her. Many thanks also go out to a special cousin, Sarah Jane Smith and friends, Robin Brown and Beverly Stanley. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Virginia Memorial Park with Cynthia Branham officiating.