Loretta J. Diehl

Loretta Diehl, 64 of Blanchard and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009 at Gratiot Medical Center in Alma.Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 at New Life Christian Fellowship on Broomfield Rd., (Broomfield & Shepherd Rd.) in Mt. Pleasant. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service.Loretta was born June 5, 1944 in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of George and Dawny (Wilson) Kniffen. She attended Mt. Pleasant High School and years later returned to graduate in 1988. She was an in-home caregiver for the elderly. She loved her animals and plants and enjoyed writing poetry, reading, knitting, and crocheting.Loretta is survived by three children Lorrie Marshall (Jeff) of Blanchard, John Marshall of Big Rapids and Jody (Don) Weaver of Vestaburg, two grandchildren, Samantha Rae and Matthew Eric Marshall, her mother Dawny Kniffen of Howard City, two brothers, Don (Kathy) Kniffen of Holly and John (Darlene) Kniffen of Mt. Pleasant, two sisters, Charlotte Barr of Howard City and Marvel Kniffen of Mt. Pleasant.She was preceded in death by her father.