November 3, 1927 – January 6, 2025
Loretta (Berning) Link passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the age of 97 and was proud to have set the new record for oldest living sibling in her family despite fierce competition. She was preceded in death by her siblings Kate (Art) Reynolds, Helen (Tom) Fullenkamp, and Marie (Vince) Huelsman. The love of her life, Butch (Eugene) Link passed away in November of 2013. Butch and Loretta were married for 66 years.
Loretta was born on November 3, 1927, the fourth child of Frank and Josephine Berning. Her father died unexpectedly when she was a young girl, and his death proved to be one of the defining moments of her life. Alongside her widowed mother and seven siblings, Loretta tended the family farm where she learned hard work, sacrifice, and resilience. Those core values were fundamental to who she was. She worked tirelessly and selflessly her entire life so that those she loved could enjoy their lives more.
She is survived by her two children Jim (Susan) Link of Richfield, NC, and Bonnie (Larry) Yoder of Rossburg, OH. Also surviving are her grandchildren Nikki (Don) Davis of Celina; Karly (Gary) Beisner of Niceville, FL; Jamie (Neil) Harrington of Charlotte, NC; and Steven Link of New London, NC. She has six great grandchildren – Madison, Brody, Libby, Mamie, Lulu, and Topper.
Loretta retired from Fram in Greenville after 33 years of service. During her many years of the factory grind, she also worked alongside Butch on their family farm. She will be remembered fondly for her ability to lend an ear, her gift of gab, and her skill at making friends wherever she went. She had a onery sense of humor and really enjoyed surprising (sometimes shocking) her children and grandchildren with what would come out of her mouth next. If you were ever in the presence of her comedic timing, you know what we are talking about.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Loretta at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville, Ohio from 4-7pm on Thursday, January 9th and on Friday morning from 8:45-9:45 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, January 10th at Saint Bernard Catholic Church in Burkettsville with Rev. Fr. Andrew Hess celebrant. Burial will follow in Saint Bernard Cemetery in Burkettsville. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider donating to EverHeart Hospice. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider donating to EverHeart Hospice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Link family.