Loretta (Blanton) Hunt, 54, of Old Ridge Road, South Bend, Ind., died Thursday afternoon, Aug. 5, 2004 in Memorial Hospital in the midst of her loving family. Loretta worked for the Associates as a senior help desk representative. She was born Feb. 10, 1950, in Paintsville, Ky., to Flem and Helen (Trimble) Blanton, who preceded her in death. She lived in Paintsville for four years before moving to Prestonsburg, Ky., and then to South Bend. On July 22, 1981, in South Bend, she married Dale L. Hunt, who survives, along with two daughters, of South Bend; a son, of Indianapolis, Ind.; two grandchildren; a sister, of Louisville, Ky.; a brother, Warren Blanton of Allen, Ky., and Sina Rice Blanton of Prestonsburg. Loretta's family was blessed to have her presence for more than three years after receiving a devastating diagnosis in June 2001. Loretta's determination and grace, which she showed every single day during these trying times, will remain an inspiration to her family and her many friends. While Loretta's love of family, attitude, and stamina were primary in her last hard journey in this world, it was possible only with the help of many wonderful nurses and doctors in both South Bend and Indianapolis. A short visitation will be held in Paintsville, Ky., (Paintsville Funeral Home, 236 2nd St., 606-789-5125) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 9, followed by a graveside service at the family cemetery atop a high hill in Johnson County, Ky. There will be no local visitation. Memorial and Celebration of Loretta's life to be held in the near future in South Bend, details to be announced shortly. In lieu of flowers, Loretta's family requests that donations be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 51 Locust Ave., Suite 201, New Canaan, CT 06840; the International Myeloma Foundation,12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607; or to a charity of the donor's own choice. Both myeloma foundations accept donations online. The HICKEY Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, 574-289-1000, is in charge of arrangements.

South Bend Tribune
South Bend, Ind.
8 August 2004
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