Lorretta J. Burnworth

Lorretta J. Burnworth, 85, of Shipshewana, Indiana and formerly of Columbia City, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2024, at home. Born May 14, 1939, in Whitley County, she was the daughter of Perry Jay and Helen Evangeline (Kessie) Johnson.

Most of Lorretta's formative years were spent in Whitley County where she was born. She attended Etna-Troy Township schools from grades one through six. She then attended Larwill schools and graduated from Larwill High School with the Class of 1957.

On January 5, 1958, she married Larry L. Burnworth at Troy Presbyterian Church. The first 11 years of her marriage were also in Whitley County. While Larry served in the U.S. Army, Lorretta stayed at home on their farm. She had worked at Stafco in Columbia City for one year, Farm Bureau Insurance in Columbia City for 10 years, and also at Lake City Bank in Warsaw for over 33 years. Lorretta was a Junior Officer prior to retiring in 2003. She and Larry had attended The Chapel in Fort Wayne and Warsaw Wesleyan Church and she enjoyed attending Southern Gospel concerts, sewing, and embroidery.

Lorretta is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Larry Burnworth of Shipshewana; son, Doyle (Vicki) Burnworth of South Whitley; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Delores Franks of Warsaw and Janet (Jerry) Brock of Ocala, FL, Michael (Carol) Johnson of Brownsburg, IN and Patrick (Kathy) Johnson of Columbia City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sons, Terry Burnworth and Kenneth Burnworth, daughter Teresa Baker, and sister Judy Zumbrun.

Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Funeral services for Lorretta will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the funeral home with calling one hour prior. 

Burial will follow in Washington Union Cemetery, Pierceton. 

Memorial donations in memory of Lorretta may be made to The Chapel.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the online guest register.