Loretta Dykes

Loretta Shepard Dykes died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at The Suites at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls. She was born on July 27, 1935, to Ivan and Maxine (Fowler) Shepard in Centerville, Iowa. She graduated from Centerville High School in 1953 where she participated in many activities. She attended her class reunions through the 60th anniversary event and enjoyed keeping in touch with classmates. She married Floyd (Jack) Dykes Jr. and to this union they were blessed with three children: Brad Dykes, Brent Dykes and Brenda (Wayne) Jacobson. Loretta worked for the public schools for 36 years as secretary to the principals and in special education classes. She enjoyed working with teachers and staff helping to make a difference in a child’s life. She volunteered at Lincoln Elementary School in Cedar Falls in the Reading Program. Loretta moved to Cedar Falls in November 2008 to be near her daughter and family following the death of her husband in July. She attended First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls where she was active in Sunday School and Wednesday Morning Bible Study groups, both of which were a great support to her. She enjoyed reading, knitting, interior decorating, crossword puzzles, football and basketball on TV, daily newspapers and news reports three times a day. Her family was important to her and she enjoyed being with them whenever she could. She also kept in touch with friends and former neighbors through the years as she and her family lived in several communities. Loretta is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, Erica (Kyle) Schultz, Ethan (Marissa) Jacobson, Lindsey (Matt) Pulverenti , Kaleigh (Matt) Stom, Kramer Dykes, Erin (Tanner) Smith, and Evan (Jessie) Dykes; nine great-grandchildren, Ava, Audra, Anya, Kyler, Luke, Mason, Juliana, Landon and Logan; sisters, Iva (Lanny) Doggett, Barbara Owens, Mary Ann (George) McClaskey and Patricia Roe; brothers, Richard Shepard, Jack (Annie) Shepard; brother-in-law, Ron (Deb) Plum; sister-in-law Dee Shanahan; and many nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, parents, stepfather Mike Maletta, parents in law, Floyd and Dessie Dykes, daughter-in-law Sheryl Dykes, brothers John (Madori) Maletta and Wesley (Viv) Shepard, sisters Fairie Tate and Connie Plum, sisters-in-law Fran (Ray) Dooley, Hilda (Maurice) Walter and Marilyn Shepard and brothers in law, Charles Owens and Bernard Shanahan. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls with visitation one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Haines Cemetery in Rathbun, Iowa. A luncheon will follow at First Baptist Church in Centerville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Koats for Kids (PO Box 1253, Waterloo, Iowa, 50704), First Baptist Church in Centerville, IA, or the Western Home Employee Fund.

Loretta Dykes

July 27, 1935 - December 31, 2025