Loretta Delph, 79, passed away peacefully at 7:01 am on Friday, January 2, 2026, in her Marion home. She was born in Harlan, Kentucky, on Tuesday, August 13, 1946, to John and Margaret (Orick) Stepp. On October 3, 1996, she married James R. Delph, the love of her life, who preceded her in death on April 10, 2023.
A devoted homemaker, Loretta dedicated her life to caring for her family. Loretta was a loving wife, steadfast mother, and exceptional grandmother who took pride in caring for her family. She enjoyed cooking, and flowers, as well as playing Bingo, but her love for her family was unwavering.
Loretta is survived by her daughters, Tammy (Jimmy) Jones of Van Buren, IN, Pamela Clem of Marion, IN, and Angela Simpson of Marion, IN; grandsons, R.J. (Lori) Sumner, Curtis Clem, Cordel (Monica) Simpson, Brandon (Stephanie) Cloud, James Cloud; granddaughter, Ashlley Loehr; as well as 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings, Charlotte (Buddy) Delph, Truman (Linda) Stepp, Clara (Mike) Blevins, and John L. (Betty) Stepp; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Stepp; her husband, James R. Delph; her daughter, Kimberly White; brothers Francis, Pearl, and Charles Stepp; and sisters Lillie Shelley and Mary Stepp.
The family will receive visitors from 12:00 noon to 2 pm on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Loretta’s life will begin at 2 pm with Pastor Les Turner officiating.
She will be interred with her loving husband at Gardens of Memory in Marion at a later date.
Our mother always said she wanted her flowers while she was living so that she could enjoy them and we certainly tried to honor that request. In this spirit, in lieu of flowers, surprise the flower lover in your life with a flower bouquet.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Loretta Delph, please visit our floral store.