Obituary for Delores Ann Loving (Peppers)
Faithful in life until her last breath, Delores Ann Loving, 88, of Republic, MO, went peacefully to her eternal home on Thursday, December 28th, 2023. She is now free from the pain and suffering she so bravely endured in her final months on this earth.
Delores was born on November 10, 1935, in McAlester, OK, to Leonard and Ozella Peppers. Following the death of her mother, she was raised by her maternal grandparents.
On her 16th birthday, she married Tommy Lynn Loving, and they began their 63 year union until he preceded her in death in June of 2014. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Hayes, and her son-in-law, David Fenton.
Delores supported her husband as an Army wife in their early years, while learning to navigate life as a new mother, oftentimes on her own, while her husband was away. Eventually, Tommy answered the call to be a minister, and so began Delores' life as a pastor's wife in the Church of the Nazarene. This role lasted 46 years, and their ministry took them to churches in Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, and, finally, to Republic, Missouri.
During her time as a pastor's wife, she also worked at a factory, served on staff at a bank, cared for children in her home, and served as an administrative assistant at church. Of all the roles she had in her life, there was none she enjoyed greater than that of mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Delores had a quiet, steadfast, and strong demeanor. She preferred to be behind the scenes, rather than up front. She was a fierce prayer warrior who had a deeply personal and unwavering relationship with her Heavenly Father, which was evident to all who knew her. She was quiet upon first meeting someone, but could talk your leg off once she became comfortable. She was a meticulous housekeeper and was happiest when she was exercising her nurturing spirit or serving others. She loved nature and animals and enjoyed the daily feeding of her birds and caring for her little Yorkie, Jaxon.
Delores is survived by her three children: Dr. Gary Loving and wife, Becky, of Shawnee, OK; Dr. Paul Loving and wife, Lucy, of Owasso, OK; and Becky Fenton, of Republic Missouri. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Patrick Loving, Eric Loving, Adam Loving, Rylee Loving, Reece Loving, Christyn Fenton, and Lauryn Fenton. And, she is survived by four great grandchildren: Brooklyn, Bailey, Charlotte, and Isabelle.
The family wishes to thank Ms. Anita Gustaveson and Ms. Cathy Harper, "her girls", who lovingly helped care for mom in her home over the past few years and became like family. We also want to thank The Township Senior Living Facility and their Memory Care staff, as well as St. Croix Hospice, for the impeccable level of love and care shown our mother in her final weeks here on earth. You will forever hold a special place in her story.
Services will be held at One Life Church of the Nazarene, 3245 S. Kansas Ave, in Springfield, MO, on Saturday, January 6th, under the direction of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home and Rev. Susan Rowe. The family will greet visitors from 10-11 am, with the Celebration of Life to begin at 11 am. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Republic, Missouri.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Delores to: the Salvation Army or the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com
The service will be livestreamed and available approximately 5 minutes before the service to view at the church Facebook page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/417onelifechurch
Delores was born on November 10, 1935, in McAlester, OK, to Leonard and Ozella Peppers. Following the death of her mother, she was raised by her maternal grandparents.
On her 16th birthday, she married Tommy Lynn Loving, and they began their 63 year union until he preceded her in death in June of 2014. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Hayes, and her son-in-law, David Fenton.
Delores supported her husband as an Army wife in their early years, while learning to navigate life as a new mother, oftentimes on her own, while her husband was away. Eventually, Tommy answered the call to be a minister, and so began Delores' life as a pastor's wife in the Church of the Nazarene. This role lasted 46 years, and their ministry took them to churches in Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, and, finally, to Republic, Missouri.
During her time as a pastor's wife, she also worked at a factory, served on staff at a bank, cared for children in her home, and served as an administrative assistant at church. Of all the roles she had in her life, there was none she enjoyed greater than that of mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Delores had a quiet, steadfast, and strong demeanor. She preferred to be behind the scenes, rather than up front. She was a fierce prayer warrior who had a deeply personal and unwavering relationship with her Heavenly Father, which was evident to all who knew her. She was quiet upon first meeting someone, but could talk your leg off once she became comfortable. She was a meticulous housekeeper and was happiest when she was exercising her nurturing spirit or serving others. She loved nature and animals and enjoyed the daily feeding of her birds and caring for her little Yorkie, Jaxon.
Delores is survived by her three children: Dr. Gary Loving and wife, Becky, of Shawnee, OK; Dr. Paul Loving and wife, Lucy, of Owasso, OK; and Becky Fenton, of Republic Missouri. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Patrick Loving, Eric Loving, Adam Loving, Rylee Loving, Reece Loving, Christyn Fenton, and Lauryn Fenton. And, she is survived by four great grandchildren: Brooklyn, Bailey, Charlotte, and Isabelle.
The family wishes to thank Ms. Anita Gustaveson and Ms. Cathy Harper, "her girls", who lovingly helped care for mom in her home over the past few years and became like family. We also want to thank The Township Senior Living Facility and their Memory Care staff, as well as St. Croix Hospice, for the impeccable level of love and care shown our mother in her final weeks here on earth. You will forever hold a special place in her story.
Services will be held at One Life Church of the Nazarene, 3245 S. Kansas Ave, in Springfield, MO, on Saturday, January 6th, under the direction of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home and Rev. Susan Rowe. The family will greet visitors from 10-11 am, with the Celebration of Life to begin at 11 am. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Republic, Missouri.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Delores to: the Salvation Army or the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com
The service will be livestreamed and available approximately 5 minutes before the service to view at the church Facebook page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/417onelifechurch