Loretta M. Nell

Loretta Nell of Canyon Lake, Tx died Friday, December 29 at Sodalis Elder Living in New Braunfels, Tx after a long illness. She died peacefully surrounded by loving friends and the wonderful people at Hope Hospice. She was 83 years old. Loretta (Ricky) was born in Princeton, Indiana on December 9, 1934 to Elvis and Evelyn Parker. Soon after, they moved to Evansville, Indiana where Loretta grew up. As a child, she famously danced for the USO, entertaining troops in the southern Indiana area. She attended Central High School in Evansville where she met Malcolm Huff. They were married from 1953 – 1974 and had five children together, Christiana Huff, Mac Huff (David Leytus), Lee Huff, Barbara Krueger and Tracy Reynolds, (Bill). In February, 1974, Loretta met the love of her life, Larry Nell and they were married in Kenosha, Wi. They moved soon after to Canyon Lake, Texas where they lived a beautiful life together. They were married for 41 years until Larry’s passing in 2015. Loretta worked at many things through out her amazing life. She was always great with numbers and worked as a bookkeeper for a variety of businesses. She retired from bookkeeping at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Tx at age 62. Loretta will always be remembered for her extraordinary spirit. Whether she was fishing out on Canyon Lake or riding her motorcycle with Larry, she lived life to the fullest. She also loved to travel and was always up for new exciting experiences. She was loved and treasured by her family and her large group of friends. This was evident when, at age 70, her family and friends surprised her with a once in a lifetime birthday party in Las Vegas. (yes, she loved the nickel slots) It was truly a memorable time. Loretta is survived by her sister Barbara Wessel (Ed), her sons Mac and Lee, her daughter Tracy and her loving grand children, Alysha, Tarin, Danielle, Jennifer, AJ, and Travis. She was preceded in death by her brother, John Parker and daughters, Christiana and Barbara. The family would especially like to thank the wonderful people who cared for Ricky in her later years. Our friends at Sodalis Elder Living gave her a loving and safe place to live. Our friends at Hope Hospice were truly extraordinary. Words cannot express our deep thanks. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut St., New Braunfels., Tx.