This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/kRFBAIB/1487 Message Board Post: Loretta Elizabeth Sawyer Pikey, born April 5, 1907, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 27, 2005, at the age of 98. She is survived by her son, John Whitfield of Cherry Valley; daughter Alice Elliott of Camarillo; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; two brothers; and one sister. Loretta was predeceased by her loving husband, Homer Pikey, and daughter Rosemary. A beloved mother and grandmother, Loretta enjoyed staying busy. She loved to bake and was oftentimes found in the kitchen cooking. She was born in Fenwood, Wis. Raised on a farm, Loretta left home at 16 to find work. She was married at the age of 18 and had three children. Loretta married the love of her life, Homer Pikey, on Feb. 7, 1960. They had a very good life together. She often remembered all the good times they shared. Homer passed away Jan. 12, 1982. Loretta was a very hard worker. She worked in a factory decorating products for 32 years. She lived in Chicago, Ill., for more than 50 years and moved to California in 1989. She had been living in Camarillo Springs with her daughter Alice since 1999. In the course of almost a hundred years, Loretta witnessed many changes, including the first walk on the moon, the Wright brothers' first flight, women gaining the right to vote, the discovery of penicillin, World War I, school integration, the 1929 market crash and the rise of technology. Her memory was sharp and her life was full. It was always a joy to hear her stories of times past. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. A recitation of the rosary and celebration of Loretta's life will be held at Parker Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfurt, Ill. Published in the Ventura County Star from 12/31/2005 - 1/3/2006.