Loretta Lynn Fish lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to her family and community. Born Tuesday, July 16, 1963 at 12:10 a.m., in Ainsworth, NE, to Harold and Annabelle Nelson. Loretta was the youngest of four girls, being the baby, her sisters always kept close tabs on her. Her sisters ensured that even when distance separated them, their bond remained strong through phone calls.
Loretta’s early years were spent in Bassett before moving to Merriman, NE, where she spent her seventh grade year before transferring to Gordon High School. In high school she worked for Alvin and Winnie Rhodes at the grocery store in Merriman, where they affectionately called her Sunshine. She continued to work there when the store transferred to the Matulas. Additionally, while living in Cody, Loretta spent her weekends working at the old Cody Grocery Store, always willing to lend a hand in her spare time.
Her work ethic was legendary. Loretta started working July 10, 1990 for the Abbott Bank, and continued her journey at Community 1st Bank, and finally Security 1st Bank. She dedicated nearly 35 years of her life creating lasting friendships with her colleagues and customers; she could recite your account number off the top of her head. Her customers adored her so much that they would often return on a different day if she wasn’t working.
In August of 1982 Loretta married Shane Fish, and together they welcomed Travis in 1983. Loretta and Shane divorced in 1985. Trenten was born in 1986. In August 1988, Loretta found her forever home in Cody, NE, with Matt Ford, and their family was completed with the birth of Joseph in 1991.
Loretta had a remarkable ability to love, nurture, and care for her boys, always outnumbered, but never lacking in strength or love. She made sure they had everything they needed, always putting their needs before her own and never wanting anything for herself or in return. Just image trying to raise four boys into men.
Family was the center of Loretta’s life. She enjoyed hosting holidays and get-togethers, always cooking enough food to feed an army and her famous potato salad and deviled eggs were always a hit. She loved playing games, including Yahtzee, Dominos, Pitch, 31, Hand and Foot, and Cribbage at the Hub on Wednesday nights. But her all time favorite was her morning games of marbles, which she played with her mother every morning before work.
She cherished spending time with her mother, sisters, and good friend Jodi. Loretta also enjoyed camping, particularly during their yearly trips to Merritt Dam before school started. Her love for her boys was evident as she attended every event they participated in, as she could, and later she shared that joy with her grandchildren.
In addition to her family activities, Loretta had a love for animals. She had a special spot in her heart for pets, whether it was a cat, single dog, or sometimes six at a time. Shasta Daisy, and Cash, her two yellow labs, were great companions and held a special place in her heart.
Loretta was also deeply involved in her community, serving on numerous boards including Circle C Day, the Ambulance Service, Softball, Circle C Market, and the Cody town board. Pretty much everything but the Cody-Kilgore School Board. She was a true community member, always eager to give back.
Loretta’s strength, work ethic, and dedication to her family, friends, and community left a lasting legacy. She was a woman who worked so hard to ensure her boys had everything they needed, and later in life, she found joy in making sure her grandchildren had the same attention. Her love for family, service to others, and involvement in her community will always be remembered.
Loretta passed away March 30, 2025 at 6:47 p.m., MT at the Cherry County Hospital.
“I’m ok, I’m fine,” Loretta Fish. Loretta is preceded in death by her parents Annabelle Hale and Harold Nelson; Vivian Fish-Whirlwind, Linda Ford, and Shane Fish.
Loretta Lynn Fish is survived by Matt Ford; her children Travis (Katrina) Fish, Trenten (Shara) Ford, Joseph (Amy) Ford; her 11 beloved grandchildren: Jadyn, Abigayle, Tristan, Teagen, Bentley, TC, Brekyn, Tucker, Skylar, Kylah, and Winter; father-in-law Merle Ford; sisters Cinda (Earl) Olberding, Peggy (Steve) Graham, and Brenda Nelson (Carl).
Loretta Lynn Fish will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and community. Her legacy of love, service, and dedication will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Cremation has been chosen and a memorial service for Loretta Lynn Fish will be held at a later date.
Sandoz Chapel of the Pines is entrusted with service arrangements.
Services for our beloved Loretta Fish will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., MST at the Merriman Dance Hall.
As life ends, so it begins again. Congratulations to Danner and Hannah Johnson of Kilgore on their firstborn son, Slade Paul Johnson, born April 1. Local grandparents are JP and Kimberly Johnson of Kilgore and local great grandparents are John and Susan Johnson of Valentine.
