Together Again

It is with profound sadness for the family of Loretto Jean Rees to announce her unexpected passing on May 18, 2025, at the age of 82. 

Loretto was born on April 2, 1943, to John Henry and Mary Lois Henry (George) in Barberton, Ohio. Spending most of her life in Barberton, Loretto was a graduate of Barberton High School before she went on to study her craft and life-long career of beautician at the Robert Fiance Beauty School in New York City. 

Loretto will be fondly remembered as truly loving, funny, beautifully stubborn, faithful, politically spirited, and an artist. Her passions ranged from artistic pursuits, such as drawing, painting, and flower arrangement, to animal welfare endeavors that included adopting rescue dachshunds — especially ones that needed extra medical attention and care. She was an avid roadtripper who had the great pleasure of driving from coast to coast on more than one occasion and loved exploring the beauty and diversity of the country. Loretto was an adoring wife. An amazing mother. A doting grandmother whose grandson was her moon and stars. A friend to all animals that she found particular joy in talking to. And a devout Catholic who celebrated and practiced her faith daily.

Loretto, in her death, is now reunited with the love of her life, her husband of 44 years, Richard J Rees. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Janet Shannon, Patricia Baker, Mary Jane Somerick, Cordelia Henry, and her brother Jim Henry.

She will be dearly missed and is survived by: her daughters, Robin J Rees and Rebecca J Rees; her grandson, Evan M. Rees; her son-in-law, Juan “Ed” Oviedo; and her “son-in-love,” Franklin R Clark. Further, she will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and a multitude of extended family and friends. 

In lieu of services, we encourage those who wish to celebrate her life to generously donate “in memory” of Loretto to the charities that reflected her sentiments, such as St. Jude, Catholic Charities, and animal rescues.