Loretta Eleanor Stalnaker Kemp, 84, of Sutton passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025 at home.

She was born on May 1, 1940, in Gassaway, a daughter of the late French and Elvia Stalnaker.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Kemp; three siblings, Dora Edith Adams, Mary Helen I’dell, and James Stalnaker; and her grandson, Billy Edge.

In 1961, Loretta attended nursing school in Akron, Ohio, graduating with her licensed Practical Nursing Certification, and then continued to work for 23 years as an L.P.N. She saved her own money (which made her extremely proud) and was able to go back to school at Rose State College in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to study for and pass her exam to become a Registered Nurse. While in college she was always on the President’s Honor Roll for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She graduated in 1984 and worked her career job at Central State Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman, Oklahoma as a Psych Nurse. She retired after 24 years of service.

After retiring, in 1995, Loretta moved back to her birth state of West Virginia. She was able to find a nice land lot to purchase and had a very nice home built.

Loretta’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. She was a creative and very talented artist. She could make beautiful art out of any element, often using just things around the house. She won many awards and ribbons for oil paintings, sculptures and carved wood. Her home was decorated with a cozy and sweet feel to it. All the items were mostly handmade. She loved the Arts & Crafts so much that she volunteered at the Braxton County Senior Citizens Center teaching and leading their arts and craft classes for the seniors. She also volunteered at AmeriCorps Seniors for over 4 years. Another favorite pastime, she truly enjoyed the outdoors and nature. Her profound love of gardening led her to use the Farmer’s Almanac like a second bible. In 1991, she obtained her certification as a Master Gardener from Oklahoma State University. Her garden was a reflection of her soul – vibrant, nurturing and full of life. On a different note but likely because she was a nurse, she was active in participating in medical clinical trials. Her favorite was being selected by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School for a long term study pertaining to Women’s Health. She learned about furthering the knowledge of women’s health issues with dedication and enthusiasm.

Loretta was a free spirit who loved to cook and bring family and friends together over shared food and laughter.

Her legacy continues through her eight grandchildren. She instilled in them values of kindness, creativity, and the importance of family life.

Above all, Loretta’s family was the center of her universe, and she poured her boundless energy into creating a warm and welcoming home for them. Loretta will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will be cherished, her stories retold and her love felt always. As we say goodbye to the remarkable woman, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy of love, gardening, artistry, and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.

She was the proud mother of Kathryn Stepp-Kemp Hutchens ( and husband, Mitch) of McLoud, Oklahoma, Jennifer Kemp of California , and Kimberly Kemp Shannon (and husband, Erin) of Norman, Oklahoma; grandmother to Nick Whitson (Missy), John Whitson (Nikki), Dr. Elise Kuykendall (Ben), Michael Edge, Melinda Kubin (Brian), Seth Melton and Katelynn Morgan; great grandmother to 13; and sister to Veda Ruth Lemon…

She is also survived by niece, Michelle Kemp-Jerner, along with several other nieces and nephews.

Loretta’s memorial service will be 2 P.M. Monday, May 19, 2025 at Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton Street, Gassaway, WV with Pastor Bob I’dell officiating.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.