Loretta Mae Rea was born in Presho, South Dakota, the second of ten children to William and Georgia Smithburg. She had many fond memories of visiting her grandparents' farm, especially riding along with her Grandpa Ritter as he delivered milk—an experience she treasured throughout her life. Loretta graduated from Lyman County High School in 1963 and went on to earn an Associate Certificate in Education from Black Hills State College.

On September 11, 1970, she married Clarence “CJ” Rea of Murdo, South Dakota. Together, they raised their four children, first in a small farmhouse in Powell, Wyoming, and then in Basin, Wyoming, where they made their home for the next 43 years. Loretta’s deep love for children and teaching led to a 30-year career as a paraprofessional at Laura Irwin Elementary School. Her patience, compassion, and gentle spirit made her especially gifted in working with children with special needs. Summers were spent on the family ranch north of Murdo, where work and play were always in full supply. Though she wasn’t a waterskier herself, Loretta spent countless joyful hours on the boat, watching her children and their friends ski and tube on the North Dam.

A gifted cook and baker, Loretta was always ready to offer homemade meals, candy, or fresh-baked treats to anyone who stopped by. She often joked that the UPS driver seemed to time deliveries perfectly with mealtime. Creative and curious, Loretta was always crafting, reading, or trying something new. Among her favorite activities was card-making with her sisters and friends. If you were lucky enough to receive a card from Loretta, you knew how much care and effort she poured into each one.

She was also incredibly generous with her time. Whether making divinity or caramels for the church Christmas bazaar, decorating classrooms for the holidays, or assembling care packages for troops overseas, Loretta always found a way to give to others.

While she loved her work, crafts, and community, family was Loretta’s greatest joy. Raising her daughter Shana and sons Shane, JR, and Doug brought her the most joy. She and CJ spent countless hours traveling across Wyoming and beyond to watch their children compete in sports and participate in school activities. As much as she loved her children, it was her grandchildren who truly lit up her face whenever she spoke of them.

Loretta is survived by her husband of 55 years, CJ Rea of Rapid City and Murdo; her daughter Shana and son-in-law Gilbert (“Gil”) Garcia of Dallas, TX; her son Justin “JR” and daughter-in-law Dagmar Rea of Murrieta, CA; and her son Doug and daughter-in-law Cari Rea of Foxfield, CO. She is also survived by her eight beloved grandchildren: Amanda, Andi, Shane, Jesse, Maggie, Alex, Abby, and Chelsey. Additional survivors include her brothers Tom and Jim Smithburg; sisters Susanne Watson, Betty Srb, and Tami Quakenbush; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her son Shane Rea; her parents William and Georgia Smithburg; and her brothers Bill, Kim, Jerry, and David Smithburg.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. CDT Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Murdo with Father John Heying as celebrant.

Interment will follow at the Murdo Cemetery.