Loretta Jean Conkle, 84, of Heath, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Altercare Zanesville. She was born April 17, 1941, in Blacklick, Ohio, to the late Harrison and Martha (Johnson) Hartley.

Loretta retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation at the age of 70 after many years of dedicated service. A devout Christian, she lived her faith daily through her kindness, compassion, and care for others. She loved the hills, her pet goat Romeo, and gardening. Above all, Loretta cherished time spent with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

She is survived by her sons, Jack Neal, Bart (Michele) Conkle, and Lorin (Tammy) Conkle; grandchildren, Kelsey (Randy), Bret, Meagan, Emily, Jake, and Rachel (Jennifer); six great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Carolyn and Janet.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Harold and Virgil.

Memorial contributions may be made in Loretta's memory to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org.

A memorial visitation will be held January 11, 2026 from 2pm to 4pm at Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st Street, Newark.