Loretta King 1938-2025
COITSVILLE — Loretta F. King, 87, a lifelong resident of Coitsville and, in her retirement years, of Moore Haven, Florida, passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born April 14, 1938, in Youngstown, she was the beloved daughter of Charles and Carie Shipton.
Loretta was known for her kindness, strength and generosity. She devoted her life to her family and those she loved. Her home was the center of family gatherings, hosting up to 30 family members for Thanksgiving dinner. She also opened her home to all those in need, accepting everyone, demonstrating her spirituality.
She was a homemaker when her children were young; however, she also worked as a waitress and cake decorator in the family business. She took great pride in her sewing skills, designing her daughter’s graduation dress and many other pieces of her wardrobe expressing her creativity and precise skills. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. Her warmth and love touched everyone who knew her.
She was married 61 years to her first date, Robert J. King Sr., who preceded her in death in January 2020. Her grandchildren describe their grandparents’ relationship as an example of the perfect love. Also preceding her in death were her eldest son, Robert J. King Jr., who passed in 2011; a brother, Charles F. Shipton; and a sister, Jeanie Shipton.
She is survived by her sister, Sarah Shipton-Wilson; daughter, Cheryl L. Ivack and her spouse, E. David Ivack; son, Richard J. King and his spouse, Celina Andersen-King; grandchildren, Robert King III, Andrew King, Lori King, Amber Ivack, Joshua Ivack, Erica Ivack, Richard King, Brien Andersen and Annaliese Andersen; great-grandchildren, Astrid Ivack-Watkins, Jillian and Abigail King, Lukas and Olivia King, Lisa Nipper, Mariah Goist and Danielle Bonhoff; and great-great-grandchildren, William and Gabriel.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at the First Methodist Church, Moore Haven, Florida. Family and friends are invited to attend and share memories of Loretta.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Arthritis Foundation, https://info.arthritis.org/donate-today; or Paralyzed Veterans of America, https://secure.pva.org/. In loving memory of Loretta F. King, who will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
(special notice)