Loretta Brill Obituary

Funeral Services for Loretta Brill, formerly of Lenox, Iowa will be held Thursday, December 5, 2024 at the Cummings Family Funeral Home in Lenox, at 6:00 PM. Visitation will be held at the funeral home prior to the service Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Memorials may be directed towards the family to be established in Loretta's name. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.cummingsfamilyfuneralhome.com under Obituaries.
Loretta Edelle Johnson Brill, a vibrant and spirited soul, was born on June 17, 1943, in the charming town of Geddes, South Dakota, to Clifford Orlando and Mildred Swantie (Smit) Johnson. Her journey on this earth concluded on November 30, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa, after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure. Loretta's life was a tapestry of strength, passion, and love, woven together with the threads of family, community, and creativity.
From a young age, Loretta exhibited an unyielding spirit and a zest for life that was infectious to all who knew her. Her athletic talent was evident during her high school years at Platte High School, where she excelled in basketball. However, it was the summers spent on the softball field that truly captured her heart. This love for the game was a cherished bond she shared with her mother, as they both played on a local team, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
On March 25, 1960, Loretta married the love of her life, Arthur Lee Brill, in their hometown of Platte. Together, they embarked on a journey that would see them build a beautiful life and family. In 1967, the couple moved to Lenox, Iowa, where they laid down roots and created a home filled with love and laughter. Their partnership was a testament to their shared dreams and hard work, as the family spent countless summers dismantling barns to gather "good wood" for their dream house. This labor of love resulted in what was affectionately known as "Lenox's hidden gem," a home that stood as a symbol of their dedication and creativity. After the death of her husband, Loretta and her son Doyle finished the family home that was always "under construction."
Loretta's life was enriched by her five children: Todd Bryan, Doyle Lee, Lorelle Edelle (Lori), Renee Lynne, and Vickie Ann. She instilled in them the same strength and passion that defined her own life, creating a legacy that would carry on through generations. The family shared many cherished moments, from following Art and Todd's band, The Honky Tonk Heroes, to spending autumn days in the woods, chopping wood for their stove. These experiences forged unbreakable bonds and created a tapestry of memories that would be treasured forever.
A woman of many talents, Loretta owned and operated Brill Upholstery for over 25 years, along with Bridal Dreams in Lenox, Iowa, and an antique shop in Lago Vista, Texas. Her entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for design were evident in every venture she undertook. Loretta also shared her skills and passion for upholstery and sewing by teaching at Southwestern Community College, passing on her knowledge to eager learners.
Loretta's life was further enriched by her time spent in Texas, where she moved after Art's passing to be closer to her daughter Renee and the warm weather she loved. Her daughter Lori and son-in-law Cecil joined her in 2008, and together they created new memories filled with laughter, shopping, and redecorating adventures. Loretta's vibrant personality and love for life were evident in every interaction, and she cherished the visits from her children and grandchildren which brought her immense joy.
In her later years, Loretta resided at Summit Place Apartments in Creston, where she found a community of friends who shared stories of the "good old days." Her daughter Vickie, who lived nearby, dedicated herself to caring for Loretta, ensuring she never had to enter a nursing home. Vickie's unwavering commitment and love were a testament to the deep bond they shared, and her devotion was a true act of love.
Loretta's life was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and love. Her legacy lives on through her family, her cherished memories, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and strength. As we remember Loretta, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with joy, laughter, and an indomitable spirit that will forever inspire those who knew and loved her.
Loretta was preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years, Art, granddaughter Erica June Brill, parents Clifford and Mildred (Smit Chamberlain) Johnson, in-laws Bryan and Ruby (Burnham) Brill, brother's Edward and Clifford Jr.; sister Elaine Dockendorf, brother-in-law, Dallas Dockendorf, Robert (Bud) Brill; sisters-in-law, Ester Girton, Wilma Hildebrand, Fern Fite Wagner, Maxine Brill and Jennette Johnson.
Left to cherish her memory are children: Todd and Annie Brill, Bedford, IA; Doyle Brill and Carla Dixon, Hutto, Tx; Lori and Cecil Green, Beacon, IA; Renee Brill and Steve Herrera Round Rock, TX Vickie and Scott Bohn, Creston, IA. Sister-in-law Pat Johnson, Gillette, Wy, Dorthy Brill, Corsica, SD, her loyal dog Rascal, and many nieces and nephews.
Grandchildren: Barry and Andria Brill, Amy Brill and Eric Caldwell, Chandra Brill and Brian, Tierra and Adam Sterrett, Mitchell McKee and Shelby Allgood, Levi Green, Chico Herrera, Nathan St Pierre and Lex Nathe, Bradley St Pierre, Justin St Pierre and Ashley Nunez, Geoff Bohn and Taylor Hastings, Corey and Kristina Bohn, Scotty Bohn and Zoey Shelley.
Great Grandchildren: Kimber and Kennedy Teeters, Braden Brill, Luca Andersen, Taelynn and Kuiper McKee, Corbin and Fraye Green, Emmett and Opal St Pierre, Hayden St Pierre, Kaynin and Mylah King, Atlas Gordon and Reign and Silas Bohn, Lilli and Annalee Caldwell, Jaxon Nathe and Willow Jacobe.