Loretta Byington Thevenin left this world on the morning of June 15, 2025, after 84 years of immense love, friendship and service to others.

Loretta’s life began in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, on January 14, 1941, with parents Loren and Evelyn Byington. She grew up in Ashland, Oregon, with her two sisters and three brothers. Loretta and her siblings enjoyed a simple and joyous childhood together and they remained close throughout their lives.

After high school she ventured away from home to Salt Lake City with her sister. This is where she caught the eye of a dauntless young man, Paul Thevenin. Paul would never hesitate to tell us that Loretta caught the eye of many. So, he had to woo her into marrying him. They were married on March 16, 1966, and wasted no time beginning their grand adventure together. They had five children: Rebecca, Theresa, Fred, Arthur and Henry. They had ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The life of a homemaker was simply one of the many roles Loretta took on as the wife and mother of the Thevenin clan. Not only was she an accomplished quilter, cross stitcher and sewer, Loretta did it all! She was THE behind the scenes that made it all happen.

During the summers while the family was in Arizona and Paul ran rivers, she worked alongside him at the warehouse mending sleeping bags, doing laundry, shuttling cars and answering phones, while taking care of five kids. During the school year she would sew clothes for the kids, drive everyone everywhere, numerous fundraisers including her famous take and bake pizza fundraisers before “take and bake” was a thing, she never saw the end of slew of children and teenagers rifling through her refrigerator.

Loretta was a mother to all, a listening ear, a giver, always doing things for others. She meant so much to so many and she did it with a brilliant smile and a quiet magic.

We can no longer see you with our eyes, but we will feel you in our heart forever. It is hard to imagine this world without your shining eyes, kind smile, and your warm demeanor but the comfort of your presence will remain with us always.

You are unbelievably BEAUTIFUL!