Loretta Jean Easterday

SOUTH WHITLEY – Loretta Jean Easterday, 87, of South Whitley, passed away at 8:47 a.m. Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.
Born on Feb. 16, 1938, in Whitley County, she was a daughter of the late Edward W. and J. Eloise Sweeney Ulshafer. Growing up in South Whitley, she completed South Whitley Elementary School and graduated from South Whitley High School in 1956.
On Dec. 20, 1958, she married her high school classmate, Ted A. Easterday, at the South Whitley Brethren Church by Rev. Vernon Stinebaugh, beginning their 65-year journey together, raising two daughters. They were lifelong residents of South Whitley. Ted died on Aug. 14, 2022.
Loretta began her work career at Lincoln Life in Fort Wayne. In 1965, she began working for Stump Printing in South Whitley, later becoming Shindigz, where she worked in the accounts payable department. She retired in 2000.
Becoming an iconic couple of South Whitley, they were honored for their unwavering spirit and support of Whitko Wildcats Sports, holding season tickets for over 70 years and attending most games. The couple often took day trips throughout the area, visiting neighboring communities and sometimes venturing further, spending the night. When the grandkids came along, they became Loretta’s pride and joy, attending their events and spending time with them whenever possible. She enjoyed flower gardening and watching the birds visit her feeder outside her back door.
Surviving are her daughters, Pamela S. Anglin, of Columbia City; and Paula S. (Duane) Shepherd, of Pierceton; grandchildren: Curtis (Nicole) Shepherd, of Pierceton; Amanda (Justin) Buller, of Goshen; Gabrielle Anglin (David Doerr), of Washington, D.C.; and Isabelle (Tyler) Coyle, of Fort Wayne; great-grandchildren, Adeline Shepherd and Theo Coyle; brothers, Terry Ulshafer, of South Whitley; Tom Ulshafer, of Columbia City; a sister-in-law, Cindy Ulshafer Cole, of Warsaw; and several nieces and nephews.
Additionally, she was preceded in death by brothers and sisters-in-law: Edward (Marilyn), James (Phyllis), Ben and Jack (Kathy) Ulshafer; two nieces, Melissa Ulshafer and Cindy Ulshafer; and a nephew, Jeff Ulshafer.
A graveside service for friends and family will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 12 at the South Whitley Cemetery, 7500 W. Ind. 14, South Whitley. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.
Preferred memorials in Loretta’s honor are to the Cleveland Township Volunteer Fire Department or the Eel River Community Church of the Brethren.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com