Loretta Ladner

Loretta Ann Shaw Ladner, age 86, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. Loretta was born December 9, 1935 to Javin and Lillian Shaw in Lyman, MS. She graduated from Lyman High School and began her work in civil service as a switchboard operator, connecting those who were far away to their families back home. Some of her most treasured mementos included gifts from those she met in her role. She ended her career as a travel coordinator for the VA Hospital in Biloxi, MS. Her various positions reflected her absolute love of travel. She was always up for an adventure and particularly enjoyed when it landed her in Las Vegas, NV.

Loretta loved her family fiercely. She provided the wings to fly, encouraging each to go find their way in the world-no matter where that took them. But she was also the glue that bound, gathering family and friends back for her annual Christmas Eve event. She loved to bring everyone together for a meal and was an amazing cook. Her finger pressed biscuits were infamous.

Loretta was a prankster and loved to tell jokes. She had many friends and missed them greatly as her health declined. Her house was one where family and friends gathered on Sundays to socialize. It was full of warmth, love, and laughter. Her smile and those glistening green eyes will be missed by all.

Loretta was a long-time supporter of St. Ann's Catholic Church. She volunteered in various capacities and was an avid member of the choir. She was honored with the Lumen Christi Award for her service to the church. She was able to travel often with her fellow parishioners including a trip to Ireland and treasured those memories.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Donald Joseph Ladner, daughter Angela Michelle, her parents, brothers Howard J Shaw and Clinton Shaw, sisters Jeannette Williamson, Beurisa Ladner, Lovell Geiger, and Thelma Saucier, and a daughter-in-law Barbara Ladner.

She is survived by those who will strive to walk in her light and love each day, her children Shelia Triggs (George), Douglas Ladner (Sharon), Gregory Ladner, Deidre Ladner (Maria), and Tera Ladner (Sierra), grandchildren Lindy Zaleski (Jeff), Randy Ladner (Amber), Geoffrey Triggs (Amber), Cortney Sawyer (Micah) and Michael Triggs (Catie), her great-grandchildren Maddie, Shepard, Blair, and Casey, and her surviving sibling Ervin W. Shaw (Ann).

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff and residents of Summerfield Senior Living of Gulfport and the staff of Deaconess Hospice Care. The special services and comfort shown to our loved one will never be forgotten.

Services will be held Monday, August 8, 2022 at 11:00 am, with a visitation beginning from 10:00 - 11:00 am at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Lizana, MS. Intermit will follow at Wolf River Cemetery, Gulfport, MS.