Loretta Elnora Bath

Loretta Elnora Bath, age 80, passed away peacefully at home in Dayton, Washington surrounded by her family on September, 30th 2016.  She was born in a log cabin on September 6th, 1936, in Eight Mile, Idaho to Jack and Elnora James. She was raised in Grace, Idaho and met the love of her life, Roy Bath, while she was waitressing in the Idaho Café in Soda Springs, Idaho. They were married on April 24th, 1952 in her grandmother's house.

Roy worked road construction and was relocated frequently. After years of moving around, they settled permanently in Starbuck, Washington in 1968, where Loretta loved to call home.

Loretta had started working at the local post office serving as postmaster for 17 years. There she established many life-long friendships. She embraced the community by serving on the school board (22 years), was a member of the Starbuck Community Church and the Rebekah Lodge, organizing many community events, and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Shortly after retirement, Loretta and Roy took their motor home and traveled the country, and became snowbirds. After Roy's death in 2000, she moved to Dayton, Washington continuing to form new friendships and community relationships.

Loretta knew no stranger, gave to those in need, lived with courage and taught family members to love unconditionally. She was a woman full of faith, traditions, collections, laughter and opinion. She had a great sense of humor. She loved to shop, socialize with her friends, meet with her birthday girls, and could cook a hearty meal.  Most of all she cherished and loved her family.  Together they had 8 children, 5 of which survived.

She is survived by her children Jeannie (John) Fowler, Payson, UT, Joel (Theresa) Bath, Richland, WA, Jackie (Todd) Fulbright, Redmond, WA, Jeri (Kelly) Fulbright, Dayton, WA, Jody (Steve) Martin, Dayton, WA. Siblings, Geri Bartlome, Donnetta Skinner, and brother Duane James. She is also survived by her adoring 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at the Starbuck Community Church, Starbuck, Washington on October 8th, 2016 at 11:00 am. There will be a viewing from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., before the service. 

Charity or memorial donations can be made to Starbuck Community Church or Dayton YoungLife.