Loretta Ann Staff, age 85, of Manistee, passed away in the comfort of her home on Thursday April 14, 2022.

Loretta was born October 4, 1936, the daughter of William and Martha (Lenz) Junnikkala. She attended Kline Elementary School in Hazel Park through the 4th grade and then attended Onekama Consolidated Schools, graduating in 1953. She had a love of learning and took classes every year until 2022, attending West Shore Community College, University of Michigan, and Michigan State.

On May 10, 1958, she married Jack (Corky) Staff at Trinity Lutheran Church of Onekama.

Loretta enjoyed work as much as play. She had many jobs throughout her life, the last few being the first employee of Ottawa Signs and Design (later being recognized as the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians) where she did payroll and bookkeeping. She worked several years for the Village of Eastlake, leaving there to work at Manistee Township. In earlier years she was the Credit Manager for Sears Roebuck and Owner, Operator, Substitute Mom, Therapist and just that friendly person to make you feel better at her store, Corky's Corner Market of Eastlake. She did income taxes from 1978 to 2021. She always enjoyed a challenge.

When she wasn't working, she enjoyed traveling. She saw much of the country, going to many states several times to take in all God's treasurers. She traveled to many other countries as well. She loved sports of all kinds but was a diehard Tiger Fan. She loved to golf herself, play cards bunko, and bingo, dance, and have a cold Coors Lite with friends.

She traveled many miles with her good friend, Aggie Newman. They had a friendship that just was, no work to it. Lois Dewey was her golf partner, and they shared many golf outings with tons of laughter. Holy Jupiter, Anna Lempke and Loretta spent many hours together, they both loved to play cards and talk recipes. She had many trips to Mackinaw City with her friend, Jean Guenthardt to the Keyhole Bar. They would spend the day there just enjoying each other's company and getting to know the locals. She always said she was so blessed to have so many close friends, she could always count on them and them on her.

Loretta's most faithful friend is Izzy, her golden retriever. She understood Loretta like a human, and they had a bond that others viewed in awe.

She is survived by one son Bryan of Edmore Michigan; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Debbie (Noe) Solis and Connie (Dan) Jankwietz of Manistee; eight grandchildren, Kristopher and Joel Staff of Edmore, Jason (Melissa) Staff of Carson, City, MI, Rick Smith of Coral Springs, FL, Kristin (Dennis Jados) Onstott, Bill Smith, Corky (Becky) Solis and Noel Solis all of Manistee; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Jane Gunia of Manistee; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends (too many to count).
Loretta had a complete family from Crump, Michigan that she truly loved and enjoyed. They were physically miles away, but for her they were with her every step of the way every day, and she spoke of them daily.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Corky, who went to find their place on November 6, 1990; parents, Bill and Martha; one sister and brother-in-law Darlene and Clarence Smith and son-in-law Rick Smith; two daughters-in-law Rita and Rose Staff; two brothers-in-law James Staff and Bob Gunia; and two sisters-in-law Zella and Virginia Staff.

Loretta's faith was unwavered.

She will be truly missed by many but get ready we're all headed that way and what a day that will be.

Visitation for Loretta will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Dennis Rahn officiating. A luncheon and a time of fellowship will follow at the VFW Walsh Post 4499 on 28th Street in Manistee.

Please feel free to share a memory or photo with Loretta's family at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Manistee.