Loretta Rae Conway, 87, long-time resident of the Wishkah Valley, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday evening, January 22, 2024, at her home.

Loretta was born on September 24, 1936, in Aberdeen, Washington to Warren and Clara (White) Busz. She spent most of her childhood years in the Wishkah Valley, but completed her last two years of high school in Eatonville, Washington, graduating from Eatonville High School.

After high school, Loretta returned to Aberdeen, and on March 10, 1956, she married her devoted husband, Lorn R. Conway. Lorn and Loretta made Wishkah Valley their home. There they raised three children and enjoyed being close to numerous friends and family.

Loretta worked in the kitchen as a cook at the Wishkah Valley School for 35 years and is still remembered by many for her wonderful homemade lunches. Following her retirement from the school, Loretta took a position at the Grays Harbor County Jail, where she prepared meals and supervised operations in the kitchen, a role she truly enjoyed. She retired from that position after 20 years. In 2017, Loretta was appointed to the Wishkah Valley School Board, serving for several years.

While working at the school, Loretta refereed basketball and volleyball games throughout the region as a WIAA official, in addition to coaching Loggerettes’ volleyball. She was an active member of the Wishkah Valley School Booster Club and an avid supporter of the school’s athletes, often traveling with her husband to tournaments long after her own children had graduated. She was so dedicated to Loggers’ sports that Lorn and Loretta were presented with what her family calls the Golden Goal Society Pass, which allowed them to attend high school sporting events across the state.

Loretta had the gift of hospitality and welcomed everyone into her home. All who stopped by could expect a hot cup of coffee, freshly baked cookies, and lively conversation. Besides being an incredible hostess, she enjoyed reading, was an extraordinary cook, and loved being with her grandkids. Mostly, Loretta loved the Lord. She was an active member of the United Christian Church of Aberdeen, where she was blessed with many treasured friendships.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Daniel Busz.

Loretta is survived by her husband of 68 years, Lorn Conway of Wishkah Valley. Together they had two sons, Rick (Michele) Conway of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania and Clay (Stacy) Conway of Olympia, Washington, and a daughter, Heidi Bomhoff of Wishkah Valley. She is also survived by a brother, David Busz of Wishkah Valley and a sister Darlene Akers of Montesano; her grandchildren: Alicia (Dave) Spelfogel, Grace (Michael) Reynoldson, Brett Conway, Laura Conway, Kailyn (Josh) Allwine, Nolan (Alisa) Gibson, Erica Bomhoff, Cooper Bomhoff and Colton Bomhoff; and 11 great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of Loretta’s life held at the Aberdeen United Christian Church on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 1 p.m. If you cannot make the service, there will be time from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to visit with the family to share your memories and condolences. A dessert and beverage reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.