Loretta E. Cassell
Loretta E. Cassell went to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 23, 2023. She was born on Sunday, August 30, 1931, to Ben and Dessie Eppler. Her mother died two months later at the age of 21. During the time between Dessie’s death and Ben’s marriage to Merle Vaughn in 1935, she was cared for by her Grandma Ethel Grimes and Aunt Ruth Eppler.
She graduated from Elmore City High School in 1949. While a high school student, Loretta served as Secretary of the State Honor Society and was named Badger Queen.
Loretta married her best friend, Edsel, on May 24, 1951. After graduating from East Central State College in 1952, she began her adventure as a school teacher, with the majority of her time at John Glenn Elementary. Her example led to many family members choosing education as a career. She retired shortly after Edsel, so they could travel at their leisure. Their travels took them from coast to coast as well as Canada and Europe.
Her second career, which actually became her life’s career, began with the birth of her son, Neal in 1953, followed by Cindy in 1957, and Keith in 1960 and subsequent grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was active in her church and involved in her Sunday school class, while dedicated to living a Christ-centered life. She is remembered by family and friends for her smile, her perseverance through adversity, her hospitality, her competitiveness when playing chicken foot, and her love of travel and reading. Grandma showed her love by making sure each person felt special with foods and/or activities and shared the warmth and smells of her home that gave lasting memories to all.
Her husband (Edsel), parents, a brother (Ray Eppler), and two grandchildren (David Ryley Cassell and Kristen Amber Cassell), preceded her in death.
She is survived by her sister, Debe Hudson, Broken Arrow; daughter, Cindy Eichenberg (Bob), Edmond; sons, Neal (Linda), American Falls, ID and Keith (Amy), Edmond; seven grandchildren, Chris Cassell (Amy), Lindsey Roberts (Rich), Ashley Cassell, Hillary Sadler (Clif), Hannah Eichenberg, Parker Cassell (Grace) and Brady Cassell (Erin); and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Quail Springs Baptist Church on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 11 a.m.
Mrs. Cassell will Always be known as My Teacher in Pearl’s. Always dressed beautifully with a smile for all of us. Heaven got a True Angel.
Loretta was a light to all who were honored to know her.
We will miss her beautiful laugh, her warm hugs, and her deep friendship.
Memories were made together that will last a lifetime. What an amazing gift she was.
Mrs Cassell was the beloved mother-in-law to my sister Amy (Mulvenna) Cassell.
Living in Illinois, I only met Mrs. Cassell on a few occasions. I remember her kindness and compassion and how she was there for the Mulvenna family when we lost a member of our own family.
My sister, Amy Cassell, always had a beautiful soul, but I believe Mrs Loretta Cassell saw this as well and only heightened Amy’s beautiful soul.
Mrs. Loretta Cassell. I only wish I could have told you this in person
Patrick Gingras